First Nations’ world views and philosophies such as the medicine wheel, offer a holistic approach to learning that is also useful for thinking about harm reduction work. (for example, Morgan, 1997; Morrish, Horsman, & Hofer, 2002; Norton, 2004; Sochatsky & Stewart, undated; Trumpener, 1997). An example we found in the health promotion field is a First Nations approach to alcohol and drug abuse treatment called The Red Road (Edmunds, 1998). The cornerstone of this is the Lakota term "Mitakuye Oyasin" (All My Relations.) — a phrase that is often used by First Nations participants and their allies in Downtown Eastside projects — which recognizes that we are all related, and drug users continue to have a relationship with addiction, whether in recovery or still actively using. Connecting Harm Reduction to this philosophy means viewing various substances and practices as “relatives” rather than as enemies: alcohol and drugs are relatives, addiction is a relative and Harm Reduction itself is a relative. Edmunds explains that Native teachings promote an understanding and acceptance of two opposite “medicines” — laughter and tears.
Edmunds’ advice to Harm Reduction workers is to create an “informative, user-friendly” drug treatment experience and an environment in which they experienced equality, shared problem-solving and a caring atmosphere.
While a harm reduction worker may have a different skill set from an adult literacy practitioner, both types of practitioners share attitudes and approaches. First, we both need to have a clear understanding of how addiction works and how it can affect learning. Secondly, we should be familiar with the particular needs and interests of drug users to do our work effectively — for example, by recognizing the adaptive, positive affects drugs may have and working with this, rather than against it. And thirdly, while relationship building has always been a goal in literacy programs (in the context of plummeting self esteem) Alexander and Maté’s arguments make this aspect of our practice even more important.
Sarah’s response: (It is also important to) take and have the time to build relationships; and the support to engage in one’s own learning and development.