Partnerships for Healthy Recovery Communities: A Métis Nation Perspective

Moderator Ruben Buck Breaker, Dr Gabrielle Weasel head, RandallBell Asiniy Maskwa (Stone Bear), Reagan Bartel

Panel 3 – Indigenous Health Stream – Indigenous Partnerships for healthy recovery communities

September 24th Day Two – Exhibition Hall C North Building 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Centering Partnerships for Healthy Recovery Communities: A Métis Nation Perspective

Reagan Bartel

Session Description

Across Alberta, and in alignment with Alberta’s Recovery Model, the Métis Nation is playing a leading role in advancing culturally grounded, Métis-led approaches to recovery. Through Nation-driven partnerships and a commitment to community leadership, the Métis Nation is contributing to a recovery system that centers Métis ways of knowing, self-determination, and community resilience within service design and delivery.

Drawing on the development of Métis-led recovery initiatives, this presentation will share insights from the Métis Nation within Alberta’s experience designing culturally grounded, trauma-informed services. It will explore how Métis leadership, values-based partnerships, and community-driven models are creating healthier, more sustainable recovery pathways. Practical reflections, lessons learned, and strategies for advancing Métis-led recovery within Alberta’s evolving system will be highlighted.

The session will also examine how the Métis Nation is advancing the goals of Alberta’s Recovery Model by ensuring services are person-centered, community-driven, and grounded in long-term wellness. Key topics will include restoring cultural identity as a foundation for healing, building meaningful partnerships while maintaining Indigenous governance, and embedding cultural safety and continuity of care throughout the recovery journey.

The experience of the Métis Nation within Alberta demonstrates that when Indigenous Peoples lead, recovery services are not only more effective—they are more empowering, sustainable, and transformational for individuals, families, and Nations alike.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe how Métis -led recovery models, grounded in culture and identity, align with the principles of Alberta’s Recovery Model.
  • Identify effective partnership strategies that support Indigenous governance, self-determination, and culturally safe service delivery in recovery settings.
  • Analyze barriers and opportunities in building Métis-specific recovery pathways within provincial recovery systems.
  • Apply lessons learned from the Métis Nation’s initiatives to inform the development of more person-centered, community-driven, and culturally grounded recovery communities.

References

Kirmayer, L. J., Dandeneau, S., Marshall, E., Phillips, M. K., & Williamson, K. J. (2011).

Rethinking Resilience from Indigenous Perspectives. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 56(2), 84–91.

[This article explores Indigenous concepts of resilience, emphasizing the importance of cultural continuity, community strength, and self-determination in mental health and recovery.]

Redvers, J. (2020).“The Land Is a Healer”: Perspectives on Land-Based Healing from Indigenous Practitioners in Northern Canada. International Journal of Indigenous Health, 15(1), 90–107.

[This study provides insights into land-based healing practices among Indigenous communities, highlighting the significance of land in promoting mental health and well-being.]

Lavallee, L. F., & Poole, J. M. (2010). Beyond Recovery: Colonization, Health and Healing for Indigenous People in Canada. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 8(2), 271–281.

[The authors discuss the impacts of colonization on Indigenous health and advocate for healing practices that encompass physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being.]

Government of Alberta. (n.d.). Alberta Recovery Model.

[This model outlines a recovery-oriented approach for addiction and mental health, emphasizing person-centered, community-based services that align with Indigenous-led recovery initiatives.]

5. Métis Nation of Alberta. (2023). Mental Health Status Among the Métis Population of Alberta: Epidemiological and Health Services Indicators 2009–2017.

[This report provides a comprehensive examination of mental health outcomes within the Métis population, highlighting the need for culturally specific recovery services]

Bio

Reagan Bartel – Director of Health, Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta

Reagan Bartel is a proud Métis-Settler woman and a dedicated healthcare professional with a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta. With over 16 years of critical care nursing experience in an Edmonton ICU, Reagan has transitioned her expertise to population health as the Director of Health for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta (MNA).

Grounded in her roles as a daughter, granddaughter, wife, and auntie, Reagan integrates her Métis identity and values into every aspect of her work. She is deeply committed to ensuring that Métis voices, experiences, and wisdom shape health advocacy, policy, programs, and services. Her leadership is guided by principles of kindness, transparency, community, and growth, with a strong emphasis on fostering authentic partnerships based on mutual respect and reciprocity.

Reagan believes in co-creating solutions alongside Métis communities and collaborators, ensuring that initiatives are culturally grounded, responsive, and reflective of collective needs and aspirations. Her work exemplifies a deep respect for Métis traditions and a vision for equitable, sustainable, and community-driven health outcomes for all.

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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