How a group of Indigenous people in Alberta found their way out of addiction through culture

This story is part of a series called The Way Out: Addiction in Alberta. Join the discussion, or read more about the series here.

On Thursday afternoon at the Chinook CTrain station, Robbie Daniels leads a group of people beating on their drums. 

They perform a smudging ceremony, load up carts with sandwiches, clothing and tarps, then walk around the area to deliver the items to people experiencing homelessness.

Four years ago, Daniels, who is from the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, just west of Calgary, was like some of the people he's now drumming for — lost in addiction.

"My culture really saved my life," he said. "My culture showed me who I am. I found my spirit."

At 13, Daniels started to experiment with alcohol, then with different drugs. Eventually, he developed a devastating dependency on crystal meth. 

"I lost most of my dignity. I lost my kids. My self respect," he said. 

He'd tried to leave addiction behind many times before, and it never worked.

But then he started to learn more about his culture. His mother was a residential school survivor, he said, so he grew up in a Christian household. 

He discovered prayer, drumming, singing — and everything changed. He's now four years sober, and he's sharing his story in hopes of helping others.

"Sometimes it's challenging, but it can be done," he said. "It gets better."

WATCH | While doing outreach in the community, the group performs on the CTrain:

Daniels is one of several people behind Sobercrew Calgary, a group of mainly Indigenous people who've found a way out of their addiction through culture and sobriety. 

They lean on each other for support and also find ways to help others, whether it's through drumming or a kind conversation.