Canada

In 2010, over the course of about 9 months, Gabor Maté and a team of experienced healers held a series of ceremonies at a secluded location outside Vancouver, Canada, with the same group. The group included, but was not limited to, participants with addictions to heroin and other substances. Some were living in the Downtown Eastside, a neighbourhood known as North America’s worst drug ghetto.

Before ceremony, participants were encouraged to clarify an intention, and share it with the group. Afterwards, those who wanted to share their experience were encouraged to do so, engaging in dialogue with Gabor and the other healers.

These are excerpts from a series of group conversations, before and after ceremony.

Some names have been changed, to protect the identity of participants and healers.

Compiled & edited by Robin McKenna