Our Approach – All My Relations – Indigenous Recovery

We Have the Solution

Our Approach to Addiction

All My Relations is staffed by qualified clinicians and treatment professionals.
We have culturally-authentic programming with structured and intensive individual and group therapy sessions.

TWC All My Relations is a 90 day program that blends western based addiction treatment with indigenous healing practices. While we primarily serve indigenous men, we welcome any male that has a desire to use indigenous healing in their recovery from substance abuse.

From the first day of treatment, men join a supportive community and have the benefits of qualified counsellors, support staff, elders and traditional knowledge keepers. Our residence is located in a quiet residential neighbourhood in Surrey with convenient access to shopping and leisure activities. Residents enjoy comfortable accommodations, high quality meals, and a variety of recreational activities located at our residence.

Main components to the TWC All My Relations program

The 12 Step Model of Addiction Recovery

The 12 step model of Addiction Recovery was developed in the 1930s and forms the basis of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Since then, several other fellowships such as Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous have adopted the 12 steps and have incorporated them into their programs of recovery.

The steps provide a spiritually based method to learn sobriety and to create a foundation for a healthier lifestyle. The principles of the 12 steps are compatible with many spiritual traditions of indigenous people.

It is for this reason that we have developed a program to introduce TWC All My Relations clients to the 12 steps.

Big Book Study

TWC All My Relations clients are given a copy of the book Alcoholics Anonymous which is referred to as the “Big Book”. In order for clients to better understand the contents of this week, we hold a weekly workshop in which the Big Book is studied and discussed. Clients benefit from an enhanced understanding of how they can apply the concepts of the Big Book to their recovery program.

Twelve Step Written Work

The TWC All My Relations program includes daily written step work in which clients receive 12 packages corresponding to each of the 12 steps. We require a client to obtain a sponsor and a home group within the first 30 days of treatment.

Once they have completed Step 4, they are required to complete an oral Step 5 with an outside sponsor. We will assist clients in selecting a suitable sponsor. TWC All My Relations clients are expected to complete all 12 steps prior to program completion.

Group Education Sessions

Each weekday morning, residents of the All My Relations program attend an education session that discusses various topics related to addiction recovery. We have regular guests such as elders provide traditional teachings and other topics relevant for indigenous men.

Our counselling staff deliver workshops on personal wellness, relapse prevention and the 12 step model of addiction recovery.

Through these educational workshops, residents explore the personal and collective reasons that led to their addiction and learn the tools to remain sober after treatment. At the same time, cultural teachings are provided which allow men to continue walking the red road after treatment.

Wellness Activities & Recreation

We aim to enhance the recovery experience for residents of Together We Can through healthy activities and recreation. We offer yoga and acupuncture to clients.

We organize outings throughout the Lower Mainland on a regular basis. Some of our outings are culturally based such as trips to the UBC Museum of Anthropology and medicine gathering. Other activities promote healthy recreation such as hiking trips at various locations.

Residents are encouraged to obtain passes at the Surrey Recreation Centre where they have workout facilities and a swimming pool available.

Clinical and Administrative Specialists

Meet Our Addiction Specialists

Steve Bull

Intake Services Manager

Wade Moses

Addictions Counsellor

Dan Bernard

Program Director

Stacy Wilson

Executive Director

Nathan MacMaster

Intake Services

Tyler Craig, BA

Indigenous Cultural Coordinator