Walking the Red Road: A New Healing Journey with Kw’umut Lelum
Walking the Red Road: A New Healing Journey with Kw’umut Lelum
Kw’umut Lelum is honoured to share the launch of our new culturally grounded support program: Red Road to Recovery — an initiative created by and for Indigenous Peoples walking through the complexities of addiction and recovery.
Rooted in the teachings of our ancestors and the strength of our communities, this program is open to all individuals from our nine Member Nations who are seeking support before, during, or after treatment. Whether you're thinking about sobriety for the first time, returning from a healing centre, or looking for culturally safe alternatives to mainstream recovery groups, this program offers a welcoming place to start or continue your journey.
What is the Red Road to Recovery?
The Red Road is a path of healing — a journey that honours balance, accountability, and the sacredness of life. It is not just about becoming sober; it’s about coming home to yourself, your spirit, and your culture.
Our program walks beside you at every step:
Readiness Path (Before Treatment)
Some relatives need time, support, and encouragement before they're ready to enter detox or treatment. We provide:
One-on-one support from a trusted helper
Healing circles, peer and community connections
Help navigating detox or treatment options
Cultural and land-based healing (sweats, cedar brushing, Elders)
Gentle preparation for the next step
During Treatment
Stay connected and reinforce cultural identity during treatment. We can help:
Provide medicines, cultural supplies, check-ins with cultural workers
Help families stay informed and connected
Aftercare Path (Post-Treatment)
Continued healing support can help you succeed on your path. We offer:
One-on-one support with housing, family, work, and community
Relapse prevention tools rooted in culture
Continued connection to cultural practices and ceremonies
Community Connection
Mainstream programs like AA or NA can feel unfamiliar or isolating. Our approach builds a circle of care through:
Elder and cultural worker involvement
Support attending recovery meetings or events
Peer mentorship opportunities
Family healing and sober community gatherings
"Walking the Red Road means remembering who you are and where you come from. My role isn’t to lead or push — it’s to walk beside our relatives, meet them where they’re at, and remind them they’re never alone."
— Troy Brooks, Red Road Navigator
Who is this program for?
Anyone from the 9 Kw’umut Lelum Member Nations who is thinking about recovery or already walking that path. You do not need to be sober to join. This program welcomes:
Youth, adults, Elders, and two-spirit relatives
All genders and identities
People with or without spiritual or religious beliefs
Referrals can come through a Kw’umut Lelum Family Support Worker or you can self-refer if you feel ready to reach out.
Our Commitment to You
We walk this journey with:
Respect for your path and your pace
Responsibility to support healing with compassion
Reciprocity through shared stories and strength
Relationship to land, culture, and community
Wholeness of mind, body, spirit, and heart
If you, or someone you care about, is struggling with addiction or thinking about making a change, you don’t have to do it alone. The Red Road to Recovery is here for you — grounded in Coast Salish snuw’uy’ulh, guided by community, and carried forward with love.
To learn more or to join the program, please reach out to Troy Brooks at 250-591-0933 or tbrooks@kwumut.org.