As we stand at the threshold of addiction recovery, we must be prepared to face a long and challenging road ahead. The journey may be daunting, but it is not impossible. It requires a strong resolve and a firm commitment to stay on course, no matter how difficult it may get. Addiction recovery is not a one-time fix. It is a lifelong process that requires dedication, commitment, and perseverance. At Sunrise Native Recovery, we understand the unique challenges that Native Americans face. Intergenerational trauma and the impact of historical injustices make can affect addiction recovery. That’s w ..read more

As Daranda Hinkey surveys the vast expanse of ancient sagebrush that stretches out before her, a deep sense of sadness and unease begins to well up within her. Though the proposed site of America’s largest lithium mine is located in Thacker Pass, all she can see is Peehee Mu’huh – a sacred area that has been passed down through countless generations of her ancestors, who have left their mark and legacy upon it. The thought of this land being disturbed and desecrated by mining operations fills her with a deep sense of loss and despair.  The stories passed on by elders have named the area ..read more

New research has revealed that bison, also known as buffalo, are more than just an impressive symbol of the American West. Reintroducing these majestic creatures to their historic ranges can have a lasting positive effect on the environment.   Bison’s grazing habits are known to increase plant diversity and suppress invasive species, while promoting native grass growth – providing much needed resources for wildlife like birds and insects. Even more impressively, bison revive soil health, which boosts resilience against droughts or other environmental changes. Essentially, it turns ..read more

After voicing their opposition for years, the Standing Rock Sioux tribe has shown their commitment to protecting nature by withdrawing from any further cooperation with the U.S Federal government regarding Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) operations. This marks an important milestone in a long battle against environmental degradation and illustrates how powerful collective action can be when people advocate for what they believe is right.  The main reason the tribe declared that they could no longer participate in the ongoing talks was because of their inability to ascertain the truth sur ..read more

President Joe Biden signed legislation that granted five Arizona tribes their long-awaited water rights and funding to develop essential infrastructure on historically significant lands. This monumental decision marked a momentous celebration for the Indigenous communities in this region of America.  After more than two decades of advocacy and hard work, the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) were successful in their push for approval to lease a portion of their allotted land on the Colorado river. Thanks to dedicated lobbying efforts by numerous tribes during the 117th Congress, this t ..read more

Pendleton is a company that is known for its woolen blankets and other textiles that feature designs inspired by Native American heritage. The company has been producing woolen clothing and blankets since 1863. They use the finest wool fibers and their weaving and finishing process is done in their own mills in the Pacific Northwest of United States.   The styles of Pendleton products vary, but they are often designed with a classic, timeless look and feature patterns and colors that are inspired by the American Southwest and Native American cultures. They are popular among many peo ..read more

Going to college after facing struggles such as incarceration or substance abuse can feel like a daunting task. Alcoholism, drug abuse, and other forms of addiction can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of their ability to further their education. Native Americans, who are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system, may also feel discouraged from pursuing higher education due to barriers like poverty, racism, and a lack of access to resources.   A  2018 Prison Policy Initiative report shows that 25 percent of those who have been incarcerated lack a ..read more

Every year, people spend more than $6.5 billion on the market for drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinics. Since 2018, this industry has been growing by about 1.7% each year on average. Many people are concerned about the prevalence of alcoholism in Native American communities. There is a long list of factors that contribute to higher rates of alcoholism among Native American populations. Struggling to overcome an addiction is difficult, even under the best of circumstances. It is essential to have a plan that helps you navigate the recovery process as smoothly as possible. That may mean adjus ..read more

The Spiritual Principles of Recovery offer a path to holistic healing that is rooted in spirituality and self-discovery. They provide a path to accomplishment and resilience in recovery, which mirrors the 12-step program found in sobriety support organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).   These twelve principles function as a guide for personal growth, helping you develop meaningful connections with yourself, others, and the world around you. By incorporating these principles into your daily lives, you can live a life of greater purpose and fulfillm ..read more

A recent study published on Tuesday has revealed the startling reality that, in America, Native Americans can be incarcerated at up to seven times the rate of Caucasian people.  The MacArthur Foundation released a report entitled “Over-incarceration of Native Americans: Roots, Inequities, and Solutions” which shines an illuminating light on the atrocious racial and ethnic disparities of incarceration in our country. The report is a welcome move towards addressing and critically examining the issue of over-incarceration of Native people.  Dr. Ciara Hansen (Shawnee/Cherokee), author o ..read more