Where the Pavement Ends

Book excerpt: Over the past fifteen years, Canada’s Aboriginal healing community has emerged as a vital and visible force. Creative recovery programs have been established across the country, and international initiatives such as the “Healing Our Spirit Worldwide” gatherings have originated here. The Canadian government has thrown millions of dollars at the issue of addictions, yet alcoholism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, drug abuse and gambling are epidemic today in the lives of Aboriginal people. Where the Pavement Ends is filled with inspiring stories gathered from journalist Marie Wadden’s discussions with activists across Canada who are involved in the Aboriginal healing movement. But the book is also a passionate wake-up call aimed at all Canadians. Existing government policies, Wadden argues, perpetuate the problems that are tearing Aboriginal families and communities apart. We must make social healing in Aboriginal communities an immediate national priority. We must also demand public policy that guarantees First Nations, Inuit and Métis people the right to live as full and equal citizens. In these ways, we can offer true support to these marginalized communities.