Pathways to healing: balancing the tensions between harm reduction and cultural practices in a managed alcohol program for Indigenous adults in Calgary, Canada.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the strengths and challenges of running a managed alcohol program for Indigenous adults in a non-Indigenous organization and posit areas to embed cultural practices as a necessary aspect for healing.

METHODS

Grounded in a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that weaved western and Indigenous ways of knowing and a community-based research design, this project included staff group and individual interviews followed by a Knowledge Keeper review. Cultural practices and ceremony guided the project from start to finish. Researchers used reflexive thematic analysis to co-create findings with Elders and community leaders.

RESULTS

Three key themes emerged from the staff interviews (1) success and strengths (2) challenges hindering full potential, and (3) recommendations for enhancement. Following data collection, Knowledge Keepers engaged in follow-up discussions and reflections on the project results to suggest a strength-based approach to embed cultural practices and cultural safety throughout the organization hosting the program.

CONCLUSION

This study advocates for a movement beyond cultural programming toward fully integrating Indigenous knowledges into policies and practices for non-Indigenous organizations working with Indigenous adults. Reconciliation requires acknowledgement that culture and ceremony are necessary for healing. It also necessitates that Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff can actively engage in Indigenous ways of knowing to foster a culturally safe environment.