Realizing a Good Life: Mens Pathways out of Drugs and Crime

This book explores Indigenous knowledge about realizing a good life, highlighting how marginalized men overcome systemic inequalities to achieve wholeness, balance, connection, harmony, and healing. It features the stories of 23 men, most of whom are Indigenous, who have faced challenging circumstances and coped with pain through drugging and drinking or joining a street gang. Despite the barriers, some have made great strides to realize a good life, emphasizing the importance of social supports and caring.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Fernwood Publishing Co Ltd

Realizing a fulfilling life is often associated with material wealth, typically achieved by individuals, often men, who possess substantial resources. However, this book delves into Indigenous knowledge to explore how marginalized men strive to overcome systemic inequalities in their pursuit of wholeness, balance, connection, harmony, and healing.

Twenty-three men, predominantly Indigenous, share their personal accounts of this transformative journey. Many of these men began their path in challenging circumstances, including intergenerational trauma, disrupted families, child welfare interventions, racism, bullying, and physical and sexual abuse. In response to the pain they experienced, some resorted to drugs and alcohol or joined street gangs, perpetuating a cycle of incarceration. However, there are remarkable stories of men who have overcome these obstacles and achieved a good life.

These men offer valuable insights on how they navigated their way out of the problem, shedding light on strategies for maintaining sobriety, navigating systemic barriers, and building meaningful connections and support networks. At the core of their success lies the importance of social supports and genuine care. As one man aptly expressed, change occurred when he was able to care for someone else in a manner he desired to receive care.

This book serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of marginalized men in their quest for a fulfilling life. It highlights the need for systemic change and the transformative power of social supports in breaking the cycle of poverty and adversity. By embracing Indigenous knowledge and understanding the experiences of these men, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773635651