Healing trauma by reclaiming culture, ceremony and the traditional way of life

It’s been more than two decades since Kelly Thomson decided to change his life by embracing his culture – now he wants to share what he’s learned.

“I’m very passionate about helping people who are [battling] their addictions,” he said.

Thomson worked with men in Regina for almost 20 years.

He began first as a helper before being asked to lead the different men’s groups.

Over time, Thomson noticed what worked and what didn’t.

He believes culture and reconnection to the ceremonial life is the key. So last year he took the plunge and invested both his time and money to create the Rides the Horse Traditional Camp. It’s located in his home community of Carry-the-Kettle Nakoda Nation, which is located about 85 km east of Regina.

Thomson explained those seeking help with their addictions need people who understand the underlying issues and who also have the lived experience.

Both of which he has.

“These guys they hear my story…and they can relate,” he said. “I went through foster families when I was seven. Nothing good ever happened out of there. If you name any kind of abuse, that’s what happened to me.”

Those seven years changed him.

“So when I came back when I was 14, I was very violent,” said Thomson. “I got back when alcohol hit the reserve really hard.”

It was not a healthy environment for a youth, but back then, he wanted to be just like his older brothers.

For high school, Thomson attended the Indian Residential School in Lebret.

When he was done, he did what everyone else was doing at the time – he moved to the city.

“We came from all these boarding schools and hung out [at bars], but there were no gangs,” said Thomson. “But of course when there’s trauma and there’s alcohol there’s always going to be someone to fight, so that’s how it all kind of started back in the day.”

It’s a lifestyle he maintained for years and as a result it negatively affected his relationships.

About 25 years ago, he knew he had to deal with his trauma and that’s when he turned to his culture.

Although following the ceremonial way of life takes personal sacrifice and commitment, it’s fulfilling because it’s brought him peace.

“I’ve been through the trenches,” said Thomson. “I find that a lot of people relate to what you have been through.”

He explained people don’t let go of their trauma very easily. They only do so when they feel comfortable especially when they know you also share the same lived experience.

Thomson says there’s not enough men’s programs out there, which is one of the reasons why he started the camp.

For him, it’s not just about the healing process, it’s the reclamation of language, song, culture and history

The name he chose for his camp is significant because it pays homage to his maternal side.

“Rides the Horse is actually my mom’s real name,” said Thomson. “It’s the name that family would have had before contact. So, when they went to register at Fort Walsh the interpreter said, ‘Rides the Horse, well he’s a Rider.’ That’s how Ryders came to be.”

He learned the story of his family’s name when he was working on the Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) process.

The name and story stuck with him, so it was important he honour his ancestors’ history.

The camps are open to all people, with a special focus on youths aged 14 to 18. He also has men-only and women-only camps. There is however a maximum of 10 participants per camp.

Thomson knows when a group gets too large people don’t engage and he wants their full participation. He said it’s important to create a space where everyone feels comfortable and safe.

For five days and four nights, participants sleep outdoors in teepees and tents. They learn the protocols of the drum, the fire, ceremonies and participate in hide preparation, Indigenous food preparation, medicine gathering, horse teachings and more.

Thomson believes being out in the country is a good way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with the land, water, animals, medicines and the ceremonial way of life.

For more information on the Rides the Horse Traditional Camp is available by calling Thomson at 306-660-0330 or by email at kelly.o.thomson@gmail.com