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Walking the Road to Recovery: Chris Pareteau’s Story

Chris, originally from York Landing First Nation, faced many challenges growing up. As a child, he moved between different homes, often due to difficulties getting along with family members. He was raised by his Aunt Pauline and Grandmother Edith, both from the Métis community of Thicket Portage, who provided stability and care during his formative years. Now 38 years old, Chris is one of six siblings who live across York Landing, Thompson, and Saskatchewan. Today, he resides in Thompson, renting a room in a sober and supportive household.

In August 2024, an unimaginable tragedy forever changed Chris’s life. His wife, Janine, who was eight months pregnant with their second child, passed away unexpectedly. Chris recalled waking up to check on her, only to find her unresponsive. Despite his immediate call to 911, Janine could not be revived. Chris accompanied his wife and unborn child to Janine’s home community, Black Lake Denesuline Nation in northern Saskatchewan, for burial.

In the wake of this devastating loss, Chris embarked on a 1,350-kilometer journey, walking from Black Lake back to Thompson to process his grief. While the walk helped him clear his mind, it also caused physical damage, leading to the amputation of his baby toe.

Returning to Thompson, Chris struggled to cope with his grief and turned to alcohol. He moved into the Wellbriety Center and began an alcohol-fueled binge that lasted from August until October 31, 2024. On that day, he reached a turning point. “I was trying to get drunk, and it just wasn’t working anymore,” Chris shared. Realizing he could not continue down this path, he made the courageous decision to enroll in the Managed Alcohol Program at the Wellbriety Centre.

With the support of the Managed Alcohol Program team and MKO staff at the Wellbriety Center, Chris began receiving prescribed doses of alcohol to stabilize his consumption. This controlled approach allowed him to regain clarity and reflect on his goals. After a month in the program, Chris decided to stop drinking entirely. The Wellbriety / Harm Reduction team worked closely with him, gradually reducing his doses over two weeks to help him transition safely.

As Chris regained his health and focus, he felt ready to rejoin the workforce. Having previously worked at The Homeless Shelter as an employee of the CMHA, Chris approached the Wellbriety Center about employment. Recognizing his potential and commitment, the center hired him as a peer support worker on a casual basis.

Today, Chris is deeply invested in helping others who are experiencing challenges like those he has overcome. With winter approaching, he is especially concerned about the unhoused community in Thompson. “It’s getting cold out, and I don’t want anyone to freeze to death,” he said, reflecting on the struggles those without stable housing faced.

Chris credits the Managed Alcohol Program for giving him the tools and support he needed to rebuild his life. He has now been abstinent from alcohol for a month and is focused on securing full-time employment, finding his own apartment, and creating a stable future for himself. While he continues to grieve the loss of his wife and unborn child, Chris draws strength from the support of his siblings and his work at the Wellbriety Center.

Chris’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and the impact of compassionate, community-based care. His courage and determination inspire all of us at KIM Inc., as we work to empower individuals and create brighter futures for the First Nations we support. We are proud to see Chris thriving as both a participant and an employee, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues his journey of healing and hope.

About the Managed Alcohol Program

Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM Inc.) oversees the Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) at the MKO Wellbriety Center, which is run by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO). The program provides participants with a safe and supportive environment where alcohol use is monitored and supported. MAP helps individuals stabilize their drinking, regain control of their lives, and work toward achieving their personal goals. This innovative harm reduction approach reflects KIM Inc. and MKO’s shared commitment to supporting First Nations individuals on their paths to healing and wellness.

Information on the Managed Alcohol Programs (The BC Centre on Substance Use and CRISM)https://helpwithdrinking.ca/healthcare-providers/treatment/harm-reduction-alcohol-programs/

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