On Thursday, February 27, 2025, Medicine Lodge celebrated the graduation of 10 individuals who successfully completed a non-medical, drug and alcohol treatment, prevention and aftercare services program. MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee was in attendance, delivering a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with everyone present. Chief Garrison shared a powerful story about life being like driving: “You have to keep your eyes on the road ahead. If you spend too much time looking at the rearview mirror, you’ll get lost or risk a crash. Always move forward.”

An emotionally filled ceremony with family, friends, and community members. Some had traveled great distances to support their loved ones. The room overflowed with warmth, love, and encouragement as people of all ages cheered on the graduates taking their first steps toward sobriety. The children in the crowd were incredibly excited, waving and eagerly trying to catch the attention of their family members.

The event began with an opening prayer, followed by heartfelt acknowledgments from the Medicine Lodge staff, who praised the graduates’ progress. They shared the challenges they faced at the start of the program, noting how some participants had left along the way with many jokes and laughter. Yet, the ten who made it through the program were celebrated for their dedication and accomplishments. Many graduates wore traditional regalia they made during the ceremony, adding a cultural touch to the occasion. Graduates came from other northern communities, with one graduate traveling all the way from Ontario, exemplifying the recognition of the great work done be the staff.

Family and friends of the graduates had the opportunity to speak, sharing touching stories of gratitude and love. One emotional moment came when a wife thanked her husband for giving her family the gift of having more time with their grandchildren and more time together. Her heartfelt words brought the crowd to tears, and her family stood up for a group hug in a beautiful display of love, support, and acknowledgement of his strength in his will to want more time with his family.
Past graduates also took the stage, offering words of wisdom and encouragement to the new graduates. They spoke about the difficult road to recovery but emphasized the rewards of living a sober and healthier life. One past graduate shared, “When you are sober, you have the clarity to think and plan for the future.”

Thank you for choosing NCN Medicine Lodge. No matter how slowly you go, the future is brighter as long as you don’t stop.