Episode 7: Harm Reduction is Healing - Community, Care, and Connection with Dr. Carol Hopkins

“It’s not about feeding the addiction. It’s about helping people get connected to life.” In this episode of Rekindling the Fire, host Rachel Robinson sits down with Carol Hopkins — a member of the Lenape Nation at Moraviantown and CEO of the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation — to explore harm reduction through an Indigenous lens grounded in relationship, compassion, and connection.Drawing on decades of work in First Nations mental wellness, addictions treatment, and community healing, Carol reflects on how culture-based care, family involvement, and spirit-centered approaches can transform the way communities respond to substance use and the toxic drug crisis. From sacred fires and ceremony to practical community action, this conversation challenges stigma and reframes harm reduction as an act of care, dignity, and collective responsibility.Together, Rachel and Carol unpack the impacts of colonization, the importance of belonging and identity, and why healing begins not with shame, but with connection.In this Episode:Reframing harm reduction through Indigenous values and worldviewWhy connection and relationships are central to healingThe role of family, ceremony, and community in wellnessHow colonization disrupted identity, belonging, and care systemsPractical examples of community-led harm reduction initiativesUnderstanding addiction through compassion rather than shameThe importance of culture, spirit, and identity in recoveryWhy communities need local, culturally grounded supports and servicesDr. Carol Hopkins is the CEO of the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and a member of the Lenape Nation at Moraviantown, Ontario. She has dedicated more than 20 years to the field of First Nations addictions and mental health and is internationally recognized for her leadership in Indigenous mental wellness, harm reduction, and culture-based healing approaches. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2018.Fast Four ReflectionsHope: Identity that can never be taken awayHome: Community and the landMeaning: Language, culture, and identityGift: Sharing knowledge to inspire healing and changeCreditsRekindling the Fire is produced for the First Peoples Wellness Circleby David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin (ExploreProductions.ca)Music by Nagamo Publishing.For more on the work of the First Peoples Wellness Circle please visit fpwc.caListener Care NoticeThis episode discusses substance use, colonial impacts, intergenerational trauma, and the toxic drug crisis. Please take care while listening and access support if needed.Support ResourcesNational Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-45669-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988