08/29/2025
Quw’utsun Corner: Where we inspire and celebrate one another.
Troy Brooks - The Healing Power of Family, Culture, and Sharing our Stories
Troy Brooks is celebrating a significant milestone in his life as he embarks on an exciting new chapter at Vancouver Island University (VIU). He has been hired to teach C*C 321: Contact and Colonization – Implications for Child and Youth Care (C*C) Practice at VIU, starting in September. Troy had been looking for a role that would allow him to continue meaningful work supporting Quw’utsun people, and this opportunity is the perfect fit. The course, which examines the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities, aligns deeply with Troy’s own academic and personal journey. “The C*C program had a profound impact on me-it helped shape both my career and my personal growth,” Troy shares. “Now, returning to teach feels like a full-circle moment.”
Troy was especially motivated to teach this course. As part of his Master's program, his final project focused on integrating cultural safety into Coast Salish-based supportive work. His deep commitment to creating culturally safe spaces for Indigenous people is a guiding principle in his life.
Troy’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles, but it is also one filled with support from those closest to him. Family has played a key role in Troy’s journey, especially in recent years.
A big part of his story involves recovery.
A few years ago, Troy moved in with his sister Tasha Brooks in Duncan and his journey toward healing and recovery began. At the time, Troy was struggling with substance use and navigating a recent divorce. Tasha recognized Troy’s need for support and encouraged him to seek help. Her honest conversation with him became a turning point in his life.
Troy found support by attending an on-reserve men’s group in Nanaimo, where community members come together to share and support one another, and through Cowichan Tribes Kwun'atsustul Counselling. These support systems, including Kwun’atsustul staff members like Alexis and Edward, have been vital in his ongoing healing. “I now check in with Edward on a weekly basis,” Troy says.
Troy’s current spouse, Shelby Smith, has also been a constant source of inspiration and support. She encouraged him to reconnect with his culture and helped him find the treatment center that changed his life. Together, they have a two-month-old son, Theo. Troy also has two daughters, Ella and Zoey, from a previous relationship. "They’re awesome," he says. "And they love their little sibling too."
In 2023, Troy attended Red Road Recovery, a treatment centre in the Salmon Arm area that incorporates Indigenous teachings into its healing approach. The program included sweat lodges, smudging ceremonies, and traditional arts, all of which helped Troy reconnect with his culture. “Before entering treatment, I felt disconnected from my culture due to my addiction,” Troy admits. “Rebuilding that connection became a powerful part of my journey.”
Troy understands the value of community, healing, and giving back. He sees how important it is to attend meetings, learn from others, and support one another. The final step in his 12-step recovery program - giving back what was freely given - resonates deeply with him.
Troy continues to participate in AA and NA meetings and recently attended the International AA Convention in Vancouver. His story was also selected for inclusion in Our Stories: Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit Recovery Stories, an ožcial AA publication. “A part of me, at first, was afraid to share my story,” Troy reflects. “But I learned that by sharing my experience, if it makes one person comfortable enough to share theirs and start to open up, something positive can come from it.”
Through talking about his personal journey, Troy hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction, and show that different types of help are available for those in need.
“Bad decisions are made, and people can be hurt, but there can still be a positive if you choose to walk this journey; it might help others decide that they want to turn to recovery too”
Troy’s advice to his younger self: Don’t prioritize superficial things like possessions, friends, and travel over what your values are. Those things are great, but they can't replace your family. They can't replace your culture. And when I was at my lowest point in life, I leaned on those things-family and culture-to help get me to where I am today.
Each month, we are featuring Quw’utsun Mustimuhw who are out in the community doing positive things. Do you have a good news story about a Cowichan citizen you want to share? Let us know by emailing: Communications@cowichantribes.com.
