THUNDER BAY – The CLE Coliseum was filled with music and hope as it was home of the 11th annual Rockin’ Recovery event.
Created by the city's Drug Awareness Committee, it started as a way for the community to build awareness and break down the stigma surrounding addiction.
Tammy Turnbull, Drug Awareness Committee treasurer, said the event celebrates everyone on the road to recovery - no matter what stage they're at.
“We do this to come together as a community so that we're no longer hiding what addiction is and we're breaking down stigmas.”
Turnbull said there was lots to experience.
“We have stories of recovery and that is what we really highlight. We have Craig Cardiff who is a Juno nominated performer singing for us and tons of activity booths for families of no matter what age,” she said.
The storytellers have always been the star of this event, Turnbull said.
“They show vulnerability by sharing their stories. When people hear their stories, it helps to change minds, it breaks down stigma because you can see yourself in the eyes of those storytellers.
“Suddenly you either see yourself or a family member or a coworker, it becomes real. And once the issue of addiction becomes real, we can start doing the work to fix it.”
Turnbull said they had information booths from community partners who all work together.
“Regardless of where you are in recovery, there's somebody here who will be able to direct you and help you and give you resources to move towards recovery,” she said.
Guest Speaker Clarence Fisher said the event can be a beacon of hope for those starting their path of recovery, and can show them that they're not alone.
“Throughout my early life, I experienced a lot of grief, loss and trauma and recovery itself is not recovery from the addiction. The addiction is a symptom of something else.
“It's those traumas we're recovering from.”
Fisher said having these events are very important.
“Community is very important. Especially for Anishinaabe people, First Nations people, it's part of our value system.
“This event sort of symbolizes that the families of people who are in recovery or the families who have lost somebody to drugs and alcohol need to be together and we need to normalize recovery.
“I like the thought that we are making recovery in sobriety a trend and it's becoming popular. It's becoming popular to be sober,” he said.
Fisher said it’s important for people who are either in early recovery or thinking about recovery to feel supported, that they're not alone and that there's a community waiting for them.
More information about the event and local resources can be found on the Thunder Bay Drug Awareness Committee Facebook page.
