Road to Recovery

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

Road to Recovery

Nathan Gullion

Background

The adverse effects of Residential schools and the aftermath and trauma that First Nation’s people are dealing with today. Changing our pathways as well as our stinkin’ thinkin’ to create new and productive paths for future generations. The three ways trauma effects people deal with daily: Fight , Flight , or Freeze. Recovery is something that is very personal and knowing that there are many healthy ways to find this new found freedom. The old adage of “it takes a village to raise a child” is also the continued support that will be needed from our communities both on and off reserves.

Purpose

  • Learning how to communicate and navigate through our trauma.
  • Learning how to live substance free and maintaining your sobriety.
  • Learning to live without the heaviness of shame and guilt that often go along with our addictions.

I talk a lot about my lived experience as well as stats Canada for some of my presentation. My employment has also allowed me firsthand knowledge into these matters of trauma, reconciliation and recovery.

Bio

Nathan Gullion is from Bigstone Cree Nation with a lifetime of lived experiences in and around First Nations communities. Nathan has been instrumental in fostering spiritual growth, reconciliation, and healing within diverse communities. He is a promoter of healthy lifestyles, free from addictions and the trauma of residential schools.

Nathan has become a strong recovery advocate because of his own personal journey. His own steps to sobriety and recovery have been quite substantial which have played a vital role when it comes to his success today. The 16-year journey he has been on has been one full of ups and downs with reconciliation always at the forefront.

Nathan has worked as a pastor in Calling Lake, Alberta, supporting the community in many different ways. His outreach work includes partnerships with local organizations to provide food, clothing, and mentorship programs. Hosting daily recovery programs in the church has directly impacted the lives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals alike. In addition to his Pastoral role, Nathan simultaneously served, as an Addictions Counselor with the Bigstone Health Commission in Calling Lake, offering vital support to individuals and families struggling with substance abuse.

Nathan’s leadership extends beyond his local community, as he serves as the President of the North American Indigenous Ministries Council and is an active member of the Commission on Race and Ethnicity Commission. His insights have been shared on national and international platforms, including the World Communion of Churches in New York and the Peace and Reconciliation Conference in Rwanda.

His commitment to education extends to his tenure as an Instructor at NorQuest College, where he has shared his knowledge of Indigenous history with new English learners. A Master of Divinity graduate from Taylor/Sioux Falls Seminary, Nathan’s life is driven by a steadfast commitment to faith, reconciliation, and the empowerment of Indigenous communities.

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

https://www.eventbrite.com/checkout-external?eid=1154812578509&parent=https%3A%2F%2Frecoverycapitalconference.com%2Ffrom-oilfields-to-healing-fields-a-journey-of-recovery-and-service%2F