A New Pathway to Healing: Supporting Substance Use Journeys in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
December 20, 2024by Carissa Harrison in Product Spotlight
In partnership with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), we’re proud to share a new Substance Use Support Tool, built to help guide individuals at every step of their healing path from substance use.
Healing is not always a straight path - it can feel daunting, overwhelming, and uncertain. In partnership with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), we're proud to share a new substance use support tool, built to help guide individuals at every step of their healing path from substance use.
This tool, now available on the Ta Skwálwentn App is a reflection of the community's care and commitment to creating safe, culturally grounded spaces for healing. It offers a clear, personalized map for anyone using substances, exploring recovery, or supporting loved ones.
A Tool for Healing, Grounded in Culture
As Heather Andrew (Addictions Counsellor) shares:
"This pathway gives you the power to lead your way to your own healing journey and what that journey looks like. We've worked together to give this completed guide to the resources you need, may this bring comfort and the extra guidance needed to bring peace as you set out."
The Substance Use Support Tool is more than just a resource hub - it's a meaningful connection to the cultural and spiritual support that is integral to healing. With offerings such as harm reduction, withdrawal management, day programs, aftercare, and community and peer support groups, it empowers individuals to take steps forward, at their own pace.
How It Works: Guiding the Journey Step by Step
This tool has been carefully designed to simplify the often complex journey of substance use support. Individuals can:
• Access personalized pathways based on where they are in their journey - whether bed-based supports are right for them, or they would prefer to stay at home and access services in the community.
• Connect with cultural teachings and resources that ground healing in community traditions and values.
• Find clarity with easy-to-navigate information about available services, including location details, eligibility, and contact information.
By meeting individuals where they are at, the tool ensures no one feels lost or alone on their path. Whether someone is looking for immediate support or long-term wellness, the Substance Use Support Tool offers guidance that is practical, empowering, and culturally meaningful.
A Safe Space for Reflection and Growth
For many, healing is about more than treatment - it's about connection. Rick Mitchell (Peer Support Worker) highlights this key aspect:
"This is not just an app. It is a safe space for community to connect with culture and tools reflect on life. It has so many beneficial aspects and is so easy to use."
From connecting individuals to cultural teachings to supporting family members and friends, this tool embraces the full circle of care needed on the healing path.
Moving Forward Together
This resource is a testament to the strength and wisdom of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. It honours the journey of each individual while holding space for collective healing and support.
The new Substance Use Support Tool represents more than innovation - it's a step forward in healing, grounded in community care, cultural connection, and the belief that no one should walk this path alone.
If you or someone you love is navigating their substance use journey, this tool offers guidance, hope, and a way to reclaim your healing at your own pace.
