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Vision

The residential school era is ongoing, and the opioid crisis continues. Both are destructive and create crippling multi-generational trauma to the most vulnerable among us, women and their new babies. As these emergencies surge ahead the ways in which some of us have previously attempted to support these families is becoming increasingly bleak and unsuccessful. More and more we see women unable to thrive and succeed in the colonial hospital setting. Babies continue to be taken from their mothers, both punished for our neglect to provide a system and a structure in which a mother can prosper or take the first steps towards prosperity. The health of all communities hangs on the health of mothers, as guardians of the future. Recovery by Nature would like to work with nature and its relationship to all five senses to create a new treatment program option for women and their babies. This would be an option in opposition of the historically institutional treatment facilities developed by colonial standards and would be based on healing, strength and recovery.

The area available for this program is in the traditional territory of the Wuikinuxv and we believe it to be a nurturing place of wellness and health as two rivers converge and provide the animals and people of the area with richness in resource and weather. This program will take place at a repurposed fishing lodge that will offer a safe space for mothers to heal and bond with their babies in the nature-based setting of beautiful, quiet Sleepy Bay. This little bay is incredibly special and peaceful. It is one of the safest refuges on the coast and we believe that to be the perfect metaphor for what this program could be. This program would serve the population of vulnerable postpartum women with substance use disorder, but in an environment far from the traumas of the city and the colonial system of the hospital that we can see is not currently working, especially for indigenous women. This would be a chance to truly go back to the beginning and start over from the earth up. Like a nurse log in the forest, this program could offer the foundation for regeneration and growth for individuals and their families for generations to come.

The Program

Ideally would run spring to mid fall, eight months with potentially two four month cohorts. Five to six days a week, once a day group counseling and then one to one counseling and therapy offered throughout the day. Free time would be imperative, and baby free time would be supported to allow the mothers to maintain a sense of person-hood and agency. Handicrafts and activities would be encouraged. Time exploring nature would be fostered. There is potential to have group or one to one counseling session on the floats, on land or out surrounded by sparkling blue water where the only interruptions would be the odd seagull caw or the waves lapping. Babies would be stimulated and entertained and have access to clean fresh air. Baby safety would be ensured at all times with a full team of professionals. A person's journey through the program would flow from Rest to Rejuvenation, then Re-engagement and finishing with Recovery.

Staffing

This project would include 24-hour staff supervision and support. There would be a doctor available during the day on week-long rotations. There would ideally be a minimum of two nurses available 24 hours a day. Elders, knowledge holders and birth keepers to provide traditional knowledge and access to culture. Drug and alcohol counseling, trauma counseling staff daily, art therapy and other forms of interactive therapy available during specific time periods along the program journey. There should be a cook, cooking for our women and staff. Housekeeping to support the women's housing and common areas. A maintenance person on site 24 hours a day.

Timeline/ funds

2023-2024 fundraising capital for critical renovations and safety upgrades. Immediate floatation upgrades, caretaker wages.

2024 Program development with indigenous elders, knowledge holders, healthcare professionals, counselors and nature guides with fair wages paid out to all involved. Renovations and safety upgrades under way.

2025 Recovery by Nature hosts its first cohort of moms and babies.