We will be running several fundraising initiatives over the next year. You can donate, watch for silent auctions (we are always looking for donations for this), a Mental Health Gala on November 8th, 2025 at the Muttart Conservatory, and a large Trauma Healing Summit in May 2026 that we are looking for volunteers and sponsorship for.

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 A New Model for Family Intervention 

Family Trauma and Addiction Recovery Healing Community

Colonial intervention systems have failed many families but most especially Indigenous families for generations. Conventional addiction recovery programs have high relapse rates because they focus on symptoms rather than the root causes of trauma. For Indigenous families, these systems are not only ineffective but often harmful, compounding intergenerational trauma rather than providing true healing. The very structure of intervention—removing children from their families and placing them in government-funded care—perpetuates the wounds of history rather than addressing them.

At Roots & Branches Family Healing Community, we are creating a full residential program that shifts the paradigm of intervention. Instead of treating trauma as an individual disorder, we recognize it as a family and community experience that requires holistic healing. This program will provide intensive, on-site family housing, with a structured transition toward greater capacity and independence, always with continued support.

 Addressing Trauma at Its Root, Not Just the Symptoms 

Trauma is not just a personal experience; it is stored in the body, in the nervous system, and even in our genetic memory. Indigenous communities know this well—our families have survived the trauma of stolen children, broken promises, and systemic oppression. This history lives in our nervous systems, often showing up as high activation, overwhelm, collapse, increased mental health and health challenge,  addiction, and difficulty in regulating emotions. Parents trying their hardest to break these cycles often find themselves trapped in survival responses, unable to fully be present with their children despite their deepest love and best intentions. The struggle to heal is real and often perpetuates feelings of deep shame and powerlessness when people are left to struggle alone. 

Many addiction recovery models take a cognitive-based approach, expecting individuals to use willpower, mindset shifts, and behavioral strategies to overcome addiction. However, this approach does not address the root cause of trauma. It often reinforces self oppression, mirroring the very systems that caused the trauma in the first place. When we try to force the mind to overpower the body, we disregard the natural design of our nervous system. Healing cannot come from suppressing the body’s responses—it must come from restoring connection to all parts of ourselves and restoring balance within the medicine wheel. 

True healing must work from the bottom up, integrating—body, mind, emotions, and spirit. When attempts at healing are forced into solely cognitive frameworks that exclude the body’s wisdom, we recreate the very oppression that has disconnected us from ourselves and each other. Our approach is about restoring harmony, allowing the body to be heard, emotions to be processed, and spirit to guide the journey forward.

A Holistic, Strength–Based Indigenous–Led Model

At the heart of this program is a diverse and adaptive medicine wheel approach that recognizes that no single method works for everyone. Each person’s healing journey is as unique as their nervous system story. Our program will integrate: 

Traditional Indigenous healing and ceremony, and address why some may struggle to reclaim culture.

Diverse holistic therapeutic interventions for nervous system regulation and trauma recovery 

Land-based learning and cultural connection for both parents and children.

Transitional support, ensuring that families remain connected and stable as they regain independence 

A community-based model, where families support each other, reducing isolation and increasing resilience

Traditional parenting and attachment focused education and healing

This approach is strength-based, recognizing that the mechanisms of survival are not weaknesses but important survival responses. Many people have spent years surviving in high-stress, overwhelming environments. These survival skills—hyper-awareness, resilience, adaptability—can become powerful tools when understood and channeled into vision, passion, and purpose. This program is not about fixing people but about helping them see their inherent strengths and using those strengths to rebuild their lives. 

As families prepare for their transition back into their community, they will have the skills and support needed to step into their next phase with confidence. Support will continue beyond the intensive phase, recognizing that trauma recovery is a lifelong journey—especially for those with developmental or generational trauma. Healing is not a one-time event, and our commitment is to provide ongoing connection and community to ensure families have what they need to continue thriving. This will also be done with partnering relationship, ensuring there are no gaps for those we serve to fall through. 

Policy Change: Redefining Intervention Across Canada

 This model is not just about healing individual families—it is about transforming how intervention is done in Alberta and across Canada. Current policies prioritize child apprehension over family healing. The result? Parents in survival mode, re-traumatized communities, and children growing up in a system that fails them. Knowing first hand the challenges of healing generational trauma while parenting the level of support provided, if any is so disconnected from the reality of what is needed. I also know first hand the power of having access to the right supports, which will be different for everyone. However these supports are not available to the most vulnerable.

Intervention must be redefined as intensive trauma-informed support that prioritizes healing over punishment. We believe in systemic changes that ensure families are given the opportunity to heal within a structure that recognizes their lived experiences, and capacity for transformation. Returning power to the families and communities most affected by these interventions is essential.  This model will act as a template of self reliance and independence that with foster a sense of confidence and dignity. This will be reflected and modeled in our revenue generating programs that can provide employment and skill development for those in the traditional phase of their programming.

The Cost of a Broken System: Why We Must Act Now

Creating a Future Where Families Stay Together

When it is safe, when trauma-informed support is present, and when deep healing and education is made possible, families can stay and heal individually and together. Roots & Branches Family Healing Community will create the conditions where healing is not just a possibility but a reality.

By shifting the focus from reactive crisis intervention to proactive, trauma-informed support, we will reduce the long-term impact of childhood trauma, prevent unnecessary separation, and create lasting change. This is how we end generational cycles of harm and create stronger, healthier generations to come.

If this vision speaks to you, we invite you to join us in this movement—whether through advocacy, partnership, or support. It is time for a new way forward.

If you believe in a better way you can reach Lianne White at four.winds.heal@gmail.com or 587-336-4681