Promoting indigenous cultural responsivity in addiction treatment work: the call for neurodecolonization policy and practice

Addiction is a multidimensional issue affecting North American, Indigenous peoples. Most federal and provincial-funded treatment programs follow a Western model. We argue for more comprehensive culturally responsive training for workers, and the concept of neurodecolonization be covered. We also call for developing policy within education, licensing bodies, and front-line organizations for a working knowledge of the historical and racial contexts affecting Indigenous peoples. These policies must engage with the Kehte-ayak (Old Ones), while harmonizing Indigenous and Western knowledge systems that incorporate contemplative practices such as Indigenous ceremonies and neurodecolonzation approaches to healing.