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Native American Peer Recovery Services Training

The only program of its kind in the nation.

NEXT SESSION: FEBRUARY 10-14, 2025

Native American Peer Recovery Training

Our unique and specialized program, empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to support recovery within Native American communities.

Why This Training is Important

Native Americans face unique challenges in their efforts to maintain recovery, including historical trauma, cultural disconnection, poverty, limited access to healthcare, and mental health issues.

Native Americans are dying at 10x's the rate of White Americans.

The NAPRS program addresses these challenges by providing culturally sensitive and community-based support that respects and integrates traditional practices and values into modern recovery processes.

It's Time to Take Action
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NAPRS

What is a Peer Recovery Specialist?

A Peer Recovery Specialist is a trained Recovery Coach who provides support through a state-approved employer and receives compensation for their services. To become certified, they must:

  • Complete the required training to become a Recovery Coach.
  • Apply for a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential.
  • Pass an exam from the IC&RC.
  • Pay the associated certification fee.

This training fulfills all the educational requirements needed for the CPRS credential, as issued by the Minnesota Certification Board (MCB).

What Will I Learn?

Advocacy Skills
Advocacy Skills
Learn Key Advocacy Skills
Advocate effectively within various systems, promote person-centered recovery services, and support multiple pathways to wellness.
Advocacy Skills
Ethical Responsibilities
Understand Ethical Responsibilities
Navigate the ethical framework for recovery coaches, ensuring confidentiality, cultural competency, and professional boundaries.
Advocacy Skills
Mentoring Skills
Develop Practical Mentoring and Educational Skills
Serve as a role model, educate through shared experiences, and support the development of healthy behaviors.
Advocacy Skills
Support Recovery
Support Recovery and Wellness

Assist individuals in setting goals, identifying strengths, and connecting them with essential community resources.

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Hear from Our Students

Meet Colin
Meet Angela

Meet The Trainers

Colin Cash
Colin Cash, a Native American leader and trainer in long-term recovery, brings a transformative vision to peer recovery services. As the developer of the Native American Peer Recovery Services Training, he addresses disparities with a focus on equity and cultural relevance. Known for his deep commitment to community empowerment, Colin blends traditional knowledge with modern practices to inspire inclusive approaches to healing and recoveryeffective approaches to recovery and healing.
kyla
Kyla Olson is a seasoned trainer and advocate for personal and organizational growth, drawing from her own journey in long-term recovery. With expertise in Motivational Interviewing and Ethics and Boundaries, she crafts engaging and practical training sessions designed to inspire and educate. Kyla’s empathetic and action-oriented style creates a space for participants to build resilience and achieve meaningful progress.
Luke Kjolsing
Luke Kjolsing, a dedicated advocate for recovery, combines his lived experience with professional expertise in peer support, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and mental health. His engaging training sessions foster connection and understanding, empowering individuals and communities to navigate recovery with confidence. Luke’s work is driven by a passion for creating pathways to resilience and long-lasting change.

Are You Ready to Make a Profound Impact?

This course requires a full commitment of six days, totaling 46 hours of intensive, hands-on training.

This schedule is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium's four domains, ensuring that you are well-prepared to support those in recovery.

Information Request

Want more information about the NAPRS program?  Give us a shout!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites for the training program?
  • Must self-identify as being in recovery from substance use and be willing to share their lived experience to support others.
  • Should have a strong desire to help others on their recovery journey.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to learn and integrate culturally relevant practices and values into peer recovery support.
  • Strong commitment to the principles of recovery, including person-centered care, respect, and empowerment.
  • Willingness to follow ethical standards, confidentiality, and boundaries in a peer role.
  • Must be at least 18 years old
Where is the class taught?

Location varies. We can come to your organization and also partner with local organizations to host our community trainings.

How much does the class cost?

The cost per person is $795. If you are inquiring on behalf of an organization please reach out for more pricing information.

Are there scholarships available?

We’re committed to ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent anyone from accessing this training. If cost is a concern, we’re happy to work alongside you to find a solution, whether through scholarships or other support options. Please don’t hesitate to reach out so we can explore how to make this opportunity accessible for you.

Can I sign up my group?

Please email regarding organizational opportunities

When are the next training sessions?

Next Open Training will be Feb 10th - 14th 2025 in Minneapolis.

What are the requirements to take the CPRS exam in Minnesota?

The certification process is after the initial 46 hour training. To become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) you will need:

  • 46 hours of approved training
  • Passing score on IC&RC Peer Recovery Exam or the State-based Peer Recovery Exam

MCB Requirements (State):

  • Must live or work in Minnesota at least 51% of the time
  • Must have a personal lived experience related to substance use (the definition of this requirement is someone who has their own lived experience related to substance use.  Having a friend or family member with this experience does not meet this requirement)
  • 1 Year Recovery Requirement

UMICAD Requirements (Tribal Programs):

  • 6 Months Recovery Requirement
  •  Must live or work in MN, MI, WI, Northern. IL (IHS Bemidji service area)

For more information:
www.mcboard.org/approved-peer-training

Aligned with IC&RC Standards

mcb-logo (1)Our curriculum is meticulously aligned with the IC&RC's four domains, ensuring that our training meets the highest standards in the field. You will leave this program with a solid foundation in the key areas of Advocacy, Ethical Responsibility, Mentoring and Education, and Recovery and Wellness Support, fully prepared to pursue certification and make a meaningful difference in lives of those seeking recovery.