HI, my name is Bonnie. I am enrolled in the Sioux standing rock tribe in South Dakota. I am also part Ojibwe. My boyfriend Kevin and I are working on our recovery. We’re still growing and taking it one day at a time. I’m in recovery from drugs and alcohol, but I am also working on trauma recovery. I grew up in an alcoholic home and have experienced a lot of tragedy in my life.

We’ve lived in Duluth, MN for 17 years are we are grateful for the sober network we have here, including Cloque sober squad. We try to help out native Americans when we can. I was taught that natives should never be stingy with tobacco. It’s part of our culture and it is medicine. We try to share tobacco and sometimes give money to others and help out. We used to help out with AIM-American Indian Movement and help out with food.

We attending many  ZOOM MEETINGS, including Medz and zooming Towards Recovery almost daily.  here is the link  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1393622354358957

Redcorn and I were close friends.  We knew each other at NEW FREEDOM.-a Prison Re-Entry program in Phoenix.  It is a tragedy he died before his time.   He helped so many and continues to help so many.  I can share what has helped me stay sober to help save more lives.

My story includes: Gang Life, Being molested and abused as a child.  It is a miracle I am Alive today, much less leading a god driven life where I help others and parent my children.

 THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU.  NO Matter how far down the ladder you have fallen.   Your mess is your Message to help others!!

On a prison yard I walked into a 12 step meeting  where I heard convincing testimonies. Visual proof that God heals. I chose a sponsor and started working my steps. I made my relationship with God the foundation of my life and continued to work my steps.

My name is cherissa!  In my native Ojibwe my name is  Ogichidaa Equay- .

i want to encourage you!  i have struggled with drugs and alcohol.  I attend meetings daily and work on my recovery each day.

 I am most proud of being sober so that I can be present, and  to be a good mom to my 2 youngest boys!  My old son was adopted, I pray for him everyday and think about him all the time.  

I am continueing to grow in recovery and spirituality.  God bless you.  Contact me!

I live in the capitol city of the Cherokee Nation, a town called Tahlequah. In my Shawnee language, it means all gone. That's what it was for me for sure once I got addicted. But for the past 7 years I've been working hard to change my life and the community here I live in. We have online formats and in person too where we teach others about the 12 steps to recovery in a Medicine Wheel Teachings format. It helped me tremendously since 2020 to gain deeper understanding of the steps.

I grew up in an alcoholic home and am now also working the 12 steps of "Adult Children of Alcoholics". This helps me heal from trauma. Learn more here ACA.

I helped start Sober Squad Oklahoma and zoom meetings on Facebook.

Click here to learn more SOBER SQUAD OKLAHOMA 

I grew up on the Navajo Reservation. I was causing so much trouble and havoc I was nicknamed "Demo!"   I now go by Deme.  My old friends are amazed at the changes in me. 

Through Alcoholics Anonyous and god, I have been sober since Feb, 2, 2022. I work as a certified BHT Behavioral Health Tech in Phoenix. My life is way differerent than it was.  

Please call me, I care and am willing to sponsor.

I am part of this movement. Sharing at schools to help students.

I'm Patricia Estelle Ward.. I go by my middle name Estelle, born in Austin, Texas, and raised in Nevada.

 My story is one of many struggles of domestic violence and abuse of every area from childhood to adulthood, sexual assault, homelessness, addiction, and alcoholism but most importantly of the strength in overcoming all of these.

 It does not matter where we come from or the circumstances we are born into..the way we maneuver through these circumstances, the weight we put on our choices, the accountability we take in and for our actions, and the empowerment of becoming something and someone new is what matters. How we embrace life and empower others to be courageous enough to gather their strength and fight  their demons head on, triumphant each time and more grounded with every accomplishment. I do struggle with ptsd at times but have learned so much in connecting to the creator and those brought to me through him that I'm Able to cope and manage and have a beautiful life with new goals and new hopes for the future for not only myself but our 7 generations to come..change your circles change your cycles. 

Their are so many resources out here and I am now a part of Sober Squad Oklahoma and Wellbriety pathfinders where we promote and facilitate many online groups for recovery and wellbriety,

 I've also been certified to facilitate youth wellbriety groups as a form of prevention and intervention as the culture is the cure.

You matter! 

Hello, My name is Felicia and I’m in recovery. Indigenous culture has been close to my heart and spirit my whole life.  I have always felt indigenous, people have always thought I was native. I grew up with my cousins who are native and I hung out with them growing up.

Unfortunately, due to trauma and life, drugs and alcohol took place in my life and I have struggled throughout the years. Now have found my way into the best recovery circles that I could ever hope to find.

I grew up on the Navajo reservation in poverty and trauma. I am sober through Alcoholics Anonymous.  I grow and learn daily.  I am learning more about my trauma and intergenerational trauma.  I live in Phoenix and am attending school.  You can do it, Go to meetings, reach out to people.

My name is Joel

I am a alcoholic/drug addict tell me you can’t do it and I’ll show you different. 1625 (and more each day) days of complete abstinence from all mood altering substances. How did I get here I always say “one day at a time” working on myself and building something to be proud of. Having my babygirl tell me she loves me. That’s the real flex, being a good person

Along with drug treatment and AA and Wellbriety. a huge part of my recovery is re-connecting with my Ojibwe culture.

I try to follow ojibewa 7 grandfather teachings.

Humility – Dbaadendiziwin. ...

Bravery – Aakwa'ode'ewin. ...

Honesty – Gwekwaadziwin. ...

Wisdom – Nbwaakaawin. ...

Truth – Debwewin. ...

Respect – Mnaadendimowin. ...

Love – Zaagidwin. 

My life was a total mess.   I've woken up after overdosing on fetanol where an emt had given me narcan.  Felonies, bathsalts, etc.. 

Right now I'm learning to balance my life.

I attend and help at a LOT of meetings.

I am part of "middleofrezroad" podcast.We share resources and help native americans.  Learn more here !

My facebook: Click Here 

We need to help each other with being sober.  You can call me at 928) 675-8296.  You can find me on facebook and ticktock.  On the Navajo Reservation there isn't a lot of help.  I think Native Empowerment visting schools to share our experience is good.  I am on board.

On July 15, 2023 I made decision to be sober. I am sober one day at a time, contingent upon my spiritual connection. The bootleggers come up to me and offer me alcohol. I share with them what is different about me now.. . they see the difference and ask me questions.  I was bullied a lot as a kid.  What we are doing at schools was not there when I was a kid. I believe we can do a lot of good.

I am part of this movement.  

Now is the time

That was then, This is now.
 

Hi, I'm Kevin, I was born in Chicago and raised in South Minneapolis. My family is from Red Lake. MN.  I live in Duluth MN with my bride Bonnie, We've been together since we were 19.

We work on our recovery and attending Morning Medz and "zooming towards recovery" almost daiy.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1393622354358957   

 
We’re still learning to grown in our recovery, taking it a day at a time.. still learning step work. 

I support my wife in learning more about her Ojibwe heritage.. we're also Working on how to deal with trauma… and SELF- CARE….

Hi, My name is Marci.  I was friends with Redcorn, the founder of this organization.  He had an amazing "prescence" when he was in a room.  I am sad he died before his time and I hope to help carry on his mission.  My brother was his roommate.  

The disease of addiction almost killed me.   My mess is my message.  The pain I experienced can help others.

I work a strong recovery program one day at a time in Alcoholics Anonymous. It's my purpose to help others with the disease of alcoholism, just  like those who have helped me. 

I  sponsor women!  Call me 602-563-4448! 

 You are worth it! You are not alone!

Hi, I'm Philip.

I'm Sioux, grew up in South Dakota in Eagle Butte, then I lived on Navajo Reservation near St. Johns, Arizona. 

 I've been sober off fetanyl for over 19 months now by working the AA steps with a sponsor.  A big part of me staying sober involves being teachable and giving back to others.  I served a prison sentence due to addiction.  My life has meaning today.  I stay sober one day at a time.

I grew up in Rapid City , SD and on the Navajo Reservation in St. Johns, AZ.

I knew Redcorn in Prison.  Creator brought me to Carmen and Native Empowerment.  I did not know he had passed or about Native Empowerment.  I am meant to help with this .

I sponsor.  Contact me!

I live in the capitol city of the Cherokee Nation, a town called Tahlequah. In my Shawnee language, it means all gone. That's what it was for me.  I owe my sobriety to god and working AA and Wellbriety.  

Addiction almost killed me. I lost custody of my 3 kids. I was a shell of a person. I didn’t think there was any hope for me. I didn’t know about the resources that are out there to help someone like me.

I want to help others. There is hope. No matter where you are or how low you’ve gone, there is help.

I got sober through a treatment center and using 12 step programs like: AA, Celebrate Recovery, NA and Wellbriety. I like in Duluth, MN. I am very active in going to meetings and helping others. I listen to suggestions and “take the cotton out of my ears and put it in my mouth!” I go to meetings every day. Some are on zoom/phone  and you can join in them also. You can just listen.

Things are different today.

I have custody of my youngest daughter; and my rights are now being restored with my other daughter.  This has NEVER happened in the state of MN.  God is good.  My relationship is moving forward with my son as well.

 I've been in college and am getting A's. I work as a peer support helping others.   If   my experience can help one person it is worth it.  I grew up on the Leech Lake reservation in Minnesota.

Facebook, click here  facebook

I grew up on The Navajo Reservation, I now live in Phoenix AZ. 

I've been in Recovery and I'm involved in 12 step groups. Taking It One Moment at a time, Nano second at a time.

  My Sobriety date is Aug 27th, 2001 (21 yrs ). 

HOW I do it.  

H-HONESTY Steps 1, 2, and 3

O-OPEN MIND .  

W-WILLING.   

I sponsor people.  Please reach out.  You are NOT alone.

HI, My name is Twosuns. I am in recovery.  I currently live in Browns Valley, MN.  I want to help my native people. Please reach out to me. I am on facebook.  

Facebook click here

Hello, My name is Tom Tom.  I was born and raised on the Navajo Reservation. 

My story involves going from being a police officer on the reservation, to being incarcerated myself.

Addiction to drugs and alcohol brought me down.  Trauma brought me down.  I served in the US Army and experienced trauma.

Today, I am in recovery from drugs and alcohol and from trauma.

I believe that trauma recovery is at the heart of a lot of addiction.  I see a therapist, I utilize modern trauma recovery methods and tradition.  I work for my recovery.

Currently I work in Phoenix, AZ  at a Re-entry fascility called NEW Freedom.  Everyday, I get to help people who are where I was at...    It is hard work but fullfilling.   New Freedom offers men and women getting out of prison the opportunity to get on their feet before entering society.  "Coming to New Freedom feels like coming home. Our staff and current members greet you with friendly faces, warm smiles, and a commitment to providing the peer-driven support and practical tools you need to make a successful transition back to your community."

I commute back to the Navajo reservation where my wife and family live. 

My heart and soul are with helping native men and women and their communities.

As a police officer I saw alcoholism affect everyone on the reservation.  Most of my high school friends are now dead.

  (+14804943833)

Hi lm Vianne from Parker, AZ, enrolled w/Colorado River lndian Tribes..moved to Needles, CA in 2011

April of 2012 went for help at Behavioral Health Service w/Ft MoJave Tribes n have bin w/them since then..

11s have bin in Sobriety, at first was hard n struggled but nw am where l am suppose to be in my Path of Life..am still learning different things to keep on my Red Road Path n becoming a person who l am suppose to be..this is my motto; "ALONE WE CAN DO SO MUCH, BUT TOGETHER WE CAN CONQUER ALL"  

Hi, My name is Vida and I’m in recovery. 

I attend wellbriety meeting and work with others.  Wholistic healing - involving the mind, body and spirit is a big part of my healing as well. I’m learning how the brain can heal from trauma and create new neuropathways. I’ve done EMDR- (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) with my therapist to help with my trauma.

Trauma and domestic violence are a big part of my story. I had 5 husbands and was molested as a child. I’ve had several suicide attempts and have been in prison. I joined the military at 17 years old. I was trying to live up to society’s rules on success. I was controlling my kids- they were little robots. 

During periods of sobriety, I helped start the Ojibwe center on the Sioux reservation and I also worked for the housing authority. I started my own restaurant and made tons of money.

Today I am raising my grandson. I am doing my best to be a good example and grandma. I’m doing work dealing with trauma and alcoholism. I am a beautiful work in progress.  I am active in my culture.

Call me 605-569-2848.  Chances are I've been where you are.