LITTLE CURRENT—On a chilly Monday evening the smell of coffee wafts from the hall in the Little Current United Church, a new chapter of hope is unfolding for individuals battling addiction on Manitoulin Island. Every Monday evening, from 8 to 9 pm, a Narcotics Anonymous (NA) group gathers to share stories of struggle and triumph, united by a common goal: to overcome addiction and build a supportive community.
The meeting’s anonymous spokesperson, who initiated this much-needed group, reflects on the journey that led to its creation. “Personally, I struggled with my own addiction in the past. When I first came to Manitoulin, I went to Gwekwaadziwin Miikan, but there was only AA. I saw a real need for a space where people could speak freely about drug addiction, without fear of judgment, and focus on the message of hope and recovery. I still attend AA meetings but not everyone who struggles with chemical addiction is comfortable identifying as an alcoholic, or relating their story within that language.”
Manitoulin Island’s vast geography and limited services can make accessing support difficult for those in need. Previously, the closest NA meeting was in Espanola—a significant hurdle for many. Recognizing this gap, the organizer worked with the church, which has generously provided the space rent-free to ensure the group could begin without financial barriers.
“Our mission is simple,” they said. “To be there when someone reaches out for guidance. The opposite of addiction is connection. The more supports we have in place, the better the chances for success. This meeting is about unity and community, not just the substance.”
So far, the group has seen a promising turnout of six participants, including some who also attend Alcoholics Anonymous, and is hopeful that the group will continue to grow. Members appreciate the unique focus of NA, which welcomes individuals from all walks of life and addictions. The informal, supportive atmosphere includes coffee, candy to ease withdrawal symptoms and resources like books and key tags funded by NA’s “7th tradition” contributions.
For many, the meeting represents a lifeline in a community hit hard by the opioid crisis. “Drugs have changed so much. It’s not just about addiction anymore—these substances are killing people. Young lives are being lost, and children are being orphaned. I could have been one of those statistics,” the spokesperson shared. “We need this here, more than ever.”
The ethos of NA emphasizes anonymity, acceptance and hope. One of the promises of the program is that “we will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.” For participants, this means transforming personal struggles into a source of strength for others. “They say in the program, ‘In order to live, you must die,’” the organizer explained. “That’s not literal—it means letting go of the old persona. And to keep the gift of recovery, you have to give it away by helping others.”
For those hesitant to join, the group encourages family members and supporters to attend and listen. “You don’t have to speak or join, just come and feel the support. The doors are open to all.”
With hopes of expanding the recovery network on the Island, discussions are underway to start another NA group in M’Chigeeng. But for now, the Little Current group is holding space for anyone in need of connection and support.
“Addiction doesn’t discriminate, but neither does recovery. Every Monday, those doors open with one mission: to help. And that’s a message worth sharing.”
