Corrina: Can you tell me about your personal journey and what led you to seek recovery?
Nicolette: I think I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired. I kept messing up and I couldn't figure out why. I recognized my anger and hurt were driving everything, and I didn't want to be angry anymore. There was a moment in my last use—it was horrific and there was family violence—I was assaulted by my partner at the time. My spirit was gone. Things were getting worse. I was using so many drugs knowing I might die, but did not want to die. I was sobbing on the floor—crying out loud for help—praying. My father's spirit came to me, held me tight, comforting me, loving me. That was the defining moment when I realized I didn't want to die, I wanted to live without the pain, without the drugs. It was time to heal.
Corrina: What were some of the earliest challenges you encountered, and how did you navigate them?
Nicolette: Facing the truth was the hardest part. I had to confront the trauma and pain I had buried for so long. Learning to cope without substances was a big shift. I had to find people I could trust and safe places to begin that process. Reflection and patience were key.
Corrina: In your experience, how do stigma and misconceptions affect people who are trying to heal?
Nicolette: It's one of the biggest barriers. People believe we are difficult, traumatized, and mentally unwell—professionals say it's challenging to work with us. Stop saying this! Stop judging! You don't know my story. Learn how to work with us. For families, it's hard because of the legacy of colonialism including the residential schools—we're taught to keep things private, that “this is a family matter." These beliefs keep the pain buried when people need to learn to talk. More open conversations about drugs and alcohol are needed. Trauma is a big thing—secrets keep people sick. I've learned that drug use was a way of coping with family trauma. The biggest stigma can come from community and family. When you're healing, others belittle you. What we need is acceptance. I've learned that those who belittle us are unwell themselves—they're still unhealed. I'm not perfect; I have days too. But don't judge—it makes people withdraw.
Corrina: How has your culture as a First Nations woman influenced your experience with recovery?
Nicolette: It created a confident woman in me. When I stepped back into my culture, I heard the drums and my whole body was covered in goosebumps. I felt, for the first time, connected to my ancestors—it was a deep feeling. Before, my culture was something I acknowledged. Now I know I really belong. I am home. I am cultural. I harvest with my kids. I smoke fish. We are traditional fishermen. We have everything we need, and now I'm able to pass those teachings on to my children. Most importantly, I recently was able to get my two youngest children back after 12 years of them being in non- indigenous foster homes.
Corrina: Tell me about your community work.
Nicolette: I was highly involved in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and supporting my community in different ways, then worked in Outreach for a local First Nation community. I recently earned my BA degree in Indigenous Addiction and Decolonial Education from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology [BC's Indigenous public post-secondary institution]. All my teachers were First Nations, and this was liberating. I now provide workshops and motivational speaking on recovery, and I teach the difference between abstinence and recovery. People don't understand—quitting isn't healing. Culture and healing involve a deep understanding of self, a reflection to manage trauma, stress, and patterns of behaviour. It's about striving for stability. I offer healing ceremonies for different needs.
Corrina: How do you give hope to First Nations women?
Nicolette: I work authentically and build trust. I share the darkest parts of myself, and it gives others the freedom to share theirs. I've dealt with family violence, addiction, jail. I share my story to show others that recovery is possible—and that healing can have deep purpose. We can do this. We can rise.
Corrina: Thank you for sharing your story with us. I believe it will inspire many other First Nations women.
Read the stories of previous years' recovery wellness champions:
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