Recovery Campout

Two Feathers Native American Family Services, in collaboration with Trinidad Rancheria Social Services and United Indian Health Services, facilitated a three-day campout for community members who are in recovery from substance use. Activities for this event included Acorn processing by Rachel Sundberg; Traditional Storytelling by James Gensaw Sr. and Clarence Hostler; Red Road Talking Circle by Dennis Moffett; beading group with Ki-shan Daniels and Irene Powell; Hiking to Strawberry Rock; Canvas Art class by Trinity Newsom; Clean Time Countdown led by Joe Sherman; and Traditional Card Game presentation by Gusto Bowie, Jeff Guido, and Skip Lowry.

Covid has been especially hard for people struggling with addiction because of having to isolate themselves from others. People in recovery heal with the support of others in recovery. We came together for the first time as a group having been vaccinated. The feeling of community was felt by all.

This event was created to build support around Native American families who have had struggles with addiction. The goal of this campout was to build connections for sustained recovery and to connect with cultural and rewarding activities to strengthen a positive identity, self-worth, and self-esteem.

34 adults and 24 youth attended this event. 182 years were counted during the Clean Time Countdown circle.