A Mother and Daughters Journey – Breaking the Cycle

Marsha Wolf Collar, Jacey Doore, Conrad Delorme, Nathan Gullion

Panel 11 – Indigenous Health Stream –Family Systems, breaking the cycle

September 25th Day Three – Exhibition Hall C South Building 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

A Mother and Daughters Journey – Breaking the Cycle

Marsha Wolf Collar

Background

My name is Marsha Wolf Collar. I am from the Siksika Nation. I am married with 3 children and 7 grandchildren. I have been sober for approximately 24 years. My husband has approximately 18 years of sobriety. Our three children were raised in our home where alcohol was a common social occurrence.

Alcohol and drug abuse has impacted our family for many generations at every level – emotional, psychological, spiritual, financial, and social. As parents, neglect, abuse and poverty became the norm in our home. The intergenerational impacts of alcohol, poverty and family violence was passed down by our parents and grandparents severely effected our family where in some cases our family who fell victim to the disease often hit rock bottom and ultimately death.

My presentation is about our healing journey as a family. The challenges of recovery are multifaceted, encompassing many things that we needed to overcome in order to navigate a wellness path of recovery. In particular, our biggest challenge was seeing our children going through similar experiences we went through. As a mother of three and grandparent of 7, I understand the struggles of alcohol abuse and its impact on my children and grandchildren. We faced grief, conflict with the law, court appearances, emergency rooms, relationship loss, and job loss.

We had to come to many truths about our disease that was destroying our family. We took extreme measures of seeking help from program supports such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Treatment Centres, Counselling (Psychologist and Psychiatrist) , Spirituality (Spiritual leaders and the Churches). From this support we made tough decisions to eliminate the insanity that caused chaos in our family and home for many years.

Our daughter’s world fell apart when she lost her husband to alcohol and drugs. We became parents to our grandchildren because our daughter used alcohol and drugs to deal with her grieving. As a result of the addiction, we almost lost our daughter because she became ill that turned into 3 months of life given to her by her doctor.

Purpose

The highlight of my presentation is our daughter’s recovery; we believe unconditional love and God is the reason she’s with us today. She’s been sober for over 1 year. She has her own home, has her sons back, has a fulltime job, return to school to complete her master’s degree in traumatology. She is doing wonderful in her recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Factors that contributed to our family’s healing journey
  • Recovery support and associated challenges
  • Experiences of Indigenous parents

Jacey Doore

Background

My name is Jacey Doore and I’m 37 years old from Siksika Nation. I am a single mother of two boys, Casdin and Paiden. I have a supportive loving partner named Russell who has been my best friend through my recovery journey. I’m blessed to have my mother Marsha, father Leroy, and brothers, Brett and Leslie, who have also joined me in recovery. Not long ago I was lost, I am now an actively involved with my family. I love them all dearly.

I was once an addict. I experienced many life-changing traumas that contributed to my behaviour. My addiction affected my whole life and everyone around me, and I lost everything I was once proud of. I almost lost my life and should not be here right now. I am here to share my story of grief, loss, forgiveness, love, and breaking generational cycles. I always dreamt of this opportunity and always told myself I would speak to the women who were once me. Many women face the same adversities as me but are silent. I recover loud for them and will be the light they need.

Presently, I live a sober lifestyle; I have gained full-time employment and currently finishing up my master’s degree in counselling psychology. My story I am sharing will be my journey to recovery and how I have rebuilt my life from losing absolutely everything. I have discovered generational healing and rebuilt my relationships with my children and family. I work daily to become the best version of myself while maintaining my sobriety. My mother’s prayers keep me here. She is my hero.

Purpose

  • Lived Experience
  • Grief and Loss
  • Restoration and Recovery

Marsha Wolf Collar Bio

Marsha Wolf Collar is a member of Siksika Nation. She has been married for 34 years, is a mother of three children, and a grandmother of seven grandchildren.

Marsha holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge, a Diploma in Social Work from Mount Royal University, and a citation in Aboriginal Health Promotion from the University of Alberta.

Currently, she is serving her third term (nine years) as an elected leader in her community. Marsha has encountered various challenges as an Indigenous person, a woman, and an indigenous leader. She developed an apparel brand called “Empowered Rez Chick,” which aims to support Indigenous women and girls and address issues affecting Indigenous communities.

Marsha is a resilient individual who does not succumb to life’s challenges. She is highly determined and believes that anyone can achieve their goals by maintaining self-belief—a principle she instills in her children and grandchildren.

Despite facing issues related to addictions within her immediate family and community, Marsha has been an advocate for healthy living. She attributes her achievements to her commitment to recovery and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Jacey Doore Bio

My name is Jacey Doore and I am 37 years old from Siksika Nation, AB. I am a single mother of two boys, Casdin and Paiden. I have a support partner named Russell. I am a university student nearing completion of my master’s in counselling psychology. My recovery journey has been the most rejuvenating chapter of my life. I am excited to share my knowledge and lived experience in hopes of inspiring others.

Other Panel Members

Join us for the Alberta Recovery Summit, hosted by the 9th Annual Recovery Capital Conference taking place on September 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2025.

 Session Streams

  • Health Care and Recovery
  • Indigenous Health
  • Occupational Health and Safety

 Key Details

  • DAY ONE September 23rd – 5:30 pm 6:30: Early Badge Pick Up and Networking Reception, 6:30 pm to 8 pm Pre Conference Presentation
  • DAY TWO September 24th – 8:45 am to 5 pm: Keynote Speakers and Breakout Sessions
  • DAY THREE September 25th – 9 am to 5 pm: Keynote Speakers and Breakout Sessions

 Hotels

Book your hotel at one of our host hotels and save money. Click on the links for the discount rates and book early as rates will go up, and they always sell out.

Schedule

Speakers

Registration

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