05/30/2026
This week Phoenix staff participated in the “Decolonizing Substance Use & Harm Reduction” virtual training led by Len Pierre Consulting. This important session explored the impacts of colonialism, racism, stigma, and prohibition policies on Indigenous health and social inequities, including the toxic drug crisis. Staff actively engaged in discussion, reflection, and learning around culturally safer language, person-first approaches, and Indigenous perspectives on harm reduction and healing.
The training highlighted the importance of compassion, inclusion, dignity, relationships, and “meeting people where they are at”. Recognizing that substance use and recovery journeys are deeply personal and shaped by lived experiences, trauma, and systemic barriers.
As part of Phoenix Society’s ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, culturally safe care, and the continued development of our Cultural Safety and Reconciliation Action Plan, opportunities like this help strengthen learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations across our organization.
We are grateful for the opportunity to continue growing alongside Indigenous voices, knowledge, and leadership.
