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On Friday, June 27^th, 2025, Grand Council Treaty #3 held the official video launch part for its Recovery Story campaign. Led by the Ji-Adisidooyang Ge-Onji Mino-Ayaayang (Health Transformation) team, the campaign invited members of Treaty #3 to share their story of recovery from substance use disorders and their journey with sobriety. Submissions were received from members territory-wide, and four were selected to have an in-depth discussion on film to be used as resources for others seeking to learn about the process and lifelong journey of stepping away from addiction.

All four participants attended the launch to speak, as well as see the final cuts of their videos, with their families by their side with the same support they gave throughout the journey to recovery. Also in attendance were Chief Andrea Camp (Buffalo Point), Chief Marcel Medicine Horton (Rainy River First Nation), Chief Carrie Atatise-Norwegian (Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation), and Gaakinawataagizod Cheyenne Vandermeer.

Chief Atatise delivered the opening remarks, stating, “It’s important for us to share our stories of courage, of strength, of hope, because in sharing your stories, you give hope to so many other people that are and continue to struggle. You become that little ray of light that they need to see, that they can come out of this dark place that they’re in. I wanted to acknowledge that sharing our stories is also breaking down barriers, the stigma, and the shame that’s associated with addiction.” She continued, “Addiction can happen to anyone… it’s so impactful to the family when there’s an addiction, and unfortunately, [those who pass] are the other part of the story when you lose the battle. I’m so proud of you, I’m so proud that you’re sitting here, that you’re alive, that you have a second shot at life, and I wish you the best in your continued journey in recovery, and know that you have a lot of people standing with you, that are so proud of you, including all of us in this room.”

Gaakinawataagizod (Deputy Grand Chief), Cheyenne Vandermeer, acknowledged the sacred items, Drum, Elders, and youth, before adding, “Today marks a significant moment, not only for those sharing their stories, but for all of you as a community committing to understanding, supporting recovery, and showing up for Anishinaabe women.” She continued, “I am here with you today not just as a voice, but as a fellow Anishinaabekwe who believes in the power of community and connection, and that when we uplift one another, we create an environment where love exists and healing can begin.”

Grand Council Treaty #3 would like to thank Ashley Bombay, Samantha Kabatay, Johna-Joe Kakeway, and Tankia Kejick, for agreeing to having their stories shared for this campaign and their enthusiastic participation throughout the process, as well as Upriver Media for their work editing, filming, and leading the interviews for the videos.

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To view the videos, follow this link https://gct3.ca/mental-health-addictions. Promotional posters with scannable QR codes that link to the videos are also available; for copies for your organization contact: Sarah Whorpole- Indigenous Health Policy Analyst (Kenora)- Sarah.Whorpole@treaty3.ca or Tiffany Clifford Smith-Indigenous Systems Coordinator (Fort Frances) Tiffany.Smith@treaty3.ca

July 4, 2025 – Grand Council Treaty #3 Launches Addictions Recovery Campaign