In this episode of Mino Bimaadiziwin, Carol Hopkins, CEO of Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, welcomes Dr. Peter Butt, an expert in wholistic recovery from addictions. They delve into the concept of wholistic recovery, especially in the context of First Nations communities dealing with substance use disorders. Dr. Butt discusses the importance of addressing the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical domains of individuals for effective recovery. He emphasizes the need for culturally grounded, compassionate care and the necessity of linkage to community services like housing and cultural activities. The conversation highlights the challenges and potential of creating supportive, wholistic care environments that are attuned to both the individual needs and cultural contexts of the people they serve.

Dr. Butt is a retired Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.

He served for 24 years as a consultant in Addiction Medicine in the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

He’s perhaps best known nationally for his work leading the development of Canada’s Low Risk Drinking Guidelines, co-chairing the Canadian Guidelines on Alcohol Use Disorder Among Older Adults, and most recently, co-chairing the 2023 Canadian Guidance on Alcohol and Health with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.

Indigenous health has also been an important part of his career. 

His wife and children are members of the Saddle Lake Cree First Nation. He served as Director of Northern Medical Services for 14 years, coordinating medical care to predominantly Indigenous communities both on and off reserve.

These days, he’s also a retired bison rancher—but his passion for advancing wholistic recovery and compassionate, culturally grounded care is still very much alive.

For more on the work of Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, please visit our website at www.thunderbirdpf.org You can find us on social media by searching for ThunderbirdPF  

Mino Bimaadiziwin is produced by the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions.  

Our theme music is by Courtney Riley, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Peter Butt and the Podcast

01:55 Dr. Butt's Career and Contributions

03:33 Understanding Wholistic Recovery

06:16 Challenges in Substance Use Treatment

10:29 First Nations' Perspective on Treatment

13:44 Wholistic Recovery Options and Approaches

29:11 The Role of Housing in Recovery

32:55 Breaking Down Silos in Healthcare

34:54 Introduction to Sanctum Care Group

35:30 Evolving Models of Care

35:57 Healthcare Funding and Support

36:48 Cultural Interventions and Identity

37:57 Sanctum 1.5: Supporting Pregnant Women

40:17 Decolonization and Health Promotion

42:04 Role of Culture in Recovery

44:50 Challenges in Indigenous Healthcare

45:43 Impact of TRC Calls to Action

49:27 Community-Based Recovery Approaches

55:32 Wholistic Healing and Family Support

01:05:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude