THUNDER BAY – Recovery Day, one of the nation’s largest public events to display freedom from addiction, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership between Fort William First Nation and the Drug Awareness Committee to support the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy’s fifth annual Rockin’ Recovery event. The partnership signals recovery support for all individuals in the city of Thunder Bay and Fort William First Nation.
Recovery Day was first celebrated in the cities of Vancouver and Victoria in September 2012 as a public display of the freedom from addiction. Since then, the movement has spread throughout Canada, encompassing communities large and small, from East to West. Groups come together in the month of September to build awareness, challenge stigma and celebrate the role that recovery plays in improving the lives of millions of Canadians. There are close to five million people in recovery in Canada. Including those individuals, friends, families, and allies, about 80 – 90 percent of the population is affected.
Rockin’ Recovery was established in Thunder Bay in 2014 as a festival event that highlights individuals who identify as being in recovery. The organizers of the event recognize all treatment, recovery and wellness choices (including addiction medicine and other harm reduction options, abstinence, and 12-step approaches).
“All of our events give an opportunity for individuals in recovery, their families, friends, and allies, to come forward and share publicly about the gifts recovery has brought to their lives,” said Cynthia Olsen, Thunder Bay Drug Strategy Coordinator.
“Most people have encountered some form of public stigma associated with addiction during their lives, and opinions on recovery may keep people from seeking help. Recovery Day events engage the community, provide education, raise awareness and help reduce the stigma surrounding addiction,” said Tammy Turnbull, Drug Awareness Committee Treasurer.
“This partnership is an opportunity to enhance Recovery Day and to show both our communities that there is support out there,” said Chief Peter Collins, Fort William First Nation.
This year, Rockin’ Recovery will be held at Prince Arthur’s Landing Festival Area at Marina Park on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The event is family friendly and everyone is welcome to attend.
