Our Program
We are an Indigenous agency that is open to people of all walks of life that are seeking a solution to the problem of addiction. We offer a solution to those suffering in the grips of a chronic, progressive and fatal illness by teaching them how to recreate there lives.
In Calgary, Sunrise is the only addictions treatment centre where Indigenous culture and spirituality are used harmoniously with the 12 Steps pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous for the treatment of addiction.
Because our abstinence-based approach is harmonious with Indigenous values and teachings, we have incorporated the use of the Medicine Wheel into all our recovery teachings.
Sunrise Programs and Services are based on Culture and the 12 steps, including the following:
• Enriched healing experience with Indigenous teachings and Sharing Circles
• Indigenous Elders meet with clients individually for spiritual teachings
• Educational teachings on resume writing, job skills and social boundaries
• Zero barrier Outpatient drop-in program
• Continued recovery through sponsorship in a the 12 Step fellowship
• Continued inclusion in Sunrise through the Alumni Group
• Guest presentations
Our 14 week Treatment Program Consists of the Following Sample Groups:
Pathways to Healing – Week 1 – Sweetgrass
•Cultural Vision of Change
•Cultural Pathways to Recovery
•12 Step History and Introduction
•Disease Concept of Addiction
•Step 1
Pathways to Healing – Week 2 – Sage
•Sponsorship
•Primary Purpose – Sharing
•Boundaries
•Step 2 and Step 3
•Relationships and Recovery
Pathways to Healing – Week 3 – Cedar
•Step 4
•Step 5,6,7
•Parallels of A.A. and Tradition
•Forgiveness
•Practicing the 12 Principles
Pathways to Healing – Week 4 – Tobacco
•Step 8 & 9
•Traditional Medicines and Ceremonies
•Step 10
•Step 11 and Meditation
•Step 1 to 11 Recap
Medicine Wheel – Physical – Week 5
•Life Skills: Nutrition & Meal Planning
•Women’s Sweat Lodge/Men’s Sharing Circle
•Cultural Games and Skill Development
•Primary Purpose – Chairing
Medicine Wheel – Emotional – Week 6
•There is a Solution
•Pipe Ceremony
•Big Book Prayers
•Anger and Resentment
Medicine Wheel – Mental – Week 7
•Defense Mechanisms
•Cultural Crafts
•Intro to Gambling Addiction & GA Presentation
Medicine Wheel – Spiritual – Week 8
•Vision Quest
•Men’s Sweat Lodge/Women’s Sharing Circle
•Living Sober
•In All Our Affairs
Medicine Wheel – Land – Week 9
•Being of Service
•Women’s Sweat Lodge/Men’s Sharing Circle
•A Vision For You
•Seven Sacred Teachings
Medicine Wheel – Identity – Week 10
•Outside Issues and Job Support with AHS
•Elder Storytelling
•12 Traditions
•Safelink/CUPS Health Presentation
Medicine Wheel – Language – Week 11
•Bedevilments vs. Promises
•Indigenous Language Lessons
•Shame and Self-Worth
•Budget, Finances, and Taxes
Medicine Wheel – Culture – Week 12
•Improving Spirituality Through Cultural Identity
•Men’s Sweat Lodge/Women’s Sharing Circle
•Spiritual Experience
•Reclaiming History and Being an Ally
Building On Recovery – Week 13 – A Vision For You
•Step 1 to 11 Recap
•Step 12
•Sponsorship Review
•Passing It On – Step 1
Building On Recovery – Week 14 – Living Sober
•Working with a new Sunrise Client
•Aftercare Planning
Admission Criteria
Must be 18 years of age or older
Free of alcohol and drugs for 3 days
No Couples
Can be self-referred.
All applications must be completed (including main portion and the medical) before potential clients are given an admission day. You can fax the sections separately if you wish.
Please give the Admissions Clerk two working days to review your complete application before calling for an admission date. The Admissions form can be downloaded below.
Completed forms can be faxed to: (403) 269-5578
Sunrise Healing Lodge Society reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone we deem not appropriate for our programs.
For more information please contact our Admissions Clerk at (403) 261-7921.
