Abstract:
The purpose of this thesis identifies the primary experiences of Indigenous people and their
connection to personal substance use and cultural identities. The second approach identifies the need for appropriate Indigenous methods when recruiting with respect and trust. The third and final approach in this thesis has been to include the perspectives of those who are actively using and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers who are doing the work with regards to Indigenous who are actively using and how they involve them in cultural inclusion. The first aim is to identify the disconnection created by substance use between Indigenous peoples and their connections to cultural. The use of substances has been a barrier to the connection to cultural participation. The historical experiences and persistent ways of living are significant factors to the lack of practice or involvement in ceremonies. The second aim is accomplished through interviews with those in the community. The interviews were qualitative and followed by a narrative style of inquiry. Transcripts from each interview were restored into individual narratives. Themes from each narrative were then compared to the teaching of cultural inclusion and literature on substance use approach with respect to Indigenous peoples. The information gathered from participant stories demonstrates that there is more need for transparency within Indigenous communities and organizations to support Indigenous people in an inclusive way that does not follow a turn away practice.
