My Indigenous Life

Alcohol has long been a contentious subject within many Indigenous communities, including my own. For generations, it has been both a coping mechanism for the traumas inflicted by colonization and a source of stigma, perpetuated by harmful stereotypes. This duality makes the relationship with alcohol deeply complex and often misunderstood. Many articles have been written regarding this subject, but this is my own take, coming from my own perspective.

Growing up on a reserve, alcohol can feel like an unspoken norm – something that’s just always been there, woven into gatherings, celebrations, and even struggles. It’s what’s been done, and for many, it’s what’s expected. But that expectation doesn’t define us, nor does it need to dictate our future.

While not everyone succumbs to excess every time, it is a frequent occurrence for many. Unfortunately, this often results in poor decisions, trauma, and cycles of abuse that can ripple through families and communities. These experiences leave lasting impacts – some visible, others carried quietly within.

We are not bound by the mistakes of yesterday or the weight of unspoken expectations. We have the strength to break cycles, to redefine what gatherings, celebrations, and struggles look like for us. Our stories are not just about pain – they are about healing, hope, and the beauty of choosing a different path.

For me, stepping away from alcohol for a year has been a profound commitment to my own well-being and personal growth. It’s a choice rooted in a desire to break cycles, reclaim agency, and challenge the norms that have been passed down. This journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There are always voices that question your choices, those who might not want to see you succeed, and the weight of stigma that comes with choosing a different path.

This isn’t about judgment or imposing my journey on others. It’s about recognizing my strength and resilience as an Indigenous person to make choices that honor my health, culture, and future. It’s not about rejecting family, friends, or community but about redefining myself in ways that nurture and sustain me.

The stigma around alcohol in Indigenous communities often overshadows the reasons why it became so pervasive in the first place. Colonization, systemic oppression, and the loss of cultural identity created conditions where alcohol was introduced and weaponized against us. But just as our communities are revitalizing languages, traditions, and practices, we can also reclaim our relationships with substances like alcohol.

This journey of breaking away from what’s “expected” or treated as the norm, isn’t about turning my back on anyone – it’s about showing myself, (and possibly others), that there are other paths. It’s about choosing to live in a way that aligns more with my values and aspirations, even when it’s not easy.

For anyone reading this who feels the weight of stigma or the pressure of expectation, know that your journey is valid. Whether you’re choosing to abstain, to moderate, or to simply reflect on your relationship with alcohol, your choices matter. And for those who might not understand, compassion and education are key. Our stories, struggles, and triumphs are all part of the larger narrative of Indigenous resilience.

In closing, we are more than the stereotypes. We are more than the expectations placed upon us. We are strong, and we are capable of creating change – not only for ourselves but for the generations to come.

*I’d love to hear from you. What has been your experience with these topics, or what thoughts do they bring to mind? Sharing our stories and perspectives can be a powerful way to connect and learn from one another. Feel free to leave a comment or share your personal experiences below – I value every voice in this conversation.