Turtle Mountain Recovery Center

06/06/2026

Today we are recognizing Tonya Bussell, LAC, who has been part of TMRC for four years.
Tonya is pictured in her office in front of artwork created by her daughter — a meaningful backdrop for someone whose connection to this work is both personal and professional.

Tonya began with TMRC in outpatient services and transitioned to residential services when the program opened at the end of February 2025.

When asked about her work at TMRC, Tonya shared that this is the type of program she had once dreamed of being part of. During her addiction studies program, she had written about a similar vision for youth — one that included traditional healing, addressed historical trauma, and included plans for equine therapy.

For Tonya, one of the most rewarding parts of her work is hearing clients begin to open up, watching them complete all levels of care, and seeing them experience success in their lives.

We are grateful for Tonya’s dedication, compassion, and the meaningful work she continues to do with TMRC clients.

06/04/2026

A big thank you to Turtle Mountain Anishinaabe Campus for helping us get our vegetable gardens started at TMRC and Transitional Living. They completed the tilling and generously donated seeds to help bring this project to life.

We also want to thank our team members Mike and Chani for helping coordinate everything and making this happen.

Over the coming weeks, our clients will help plant and care for the gardens as they grow. We’re excited to see squash, corn, beans, radishes, beets, carrots, cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelon, peas, onions, Brussels sprouts, and more take root.

We’ll share more pictures as the gardens progress.

06/02/2026

Congratulations to Jon, Facilities Maintenance Technician at TMRC, on recently graduating from Turtle Mountain College’s 16-week Heavy Equipment Operator program.

Jon earned his certification and made the President’s List with a perfect 4.0 GPA. The first month of the program focused on classroom instruction, followed by OSHA and H₂S safety exams. After passing those, Jon and his classmates were able to put their training to work by helping clear the land that will house the St. John Fire Department’s equipment and vehicles.

It is great to see a program that gives students hands-on experience while also supporting the community. Congratulations, Jon — we are proud to have you on the TMRC team!

05/19/2026

Today we want to recognize Oscar, one of our Residential Techs at TMRC, on celebrating 14 years of recovery yesterday, May 18th.

Oscar shares that one of the biggest reasons he chose recovery — and continues to stay committed to it — is his children. He didn’t want them to grow up around the lifestyle he was living. Today, his children are 18, 17, 16, and 11 years old.

His oldest son was born before Oscar went to prison, and his 17-year-old son was born shortly after his release. Oscar says he knew he wanted a different life for himself and his family. His last incarceration came after his 5th DUI, which resulted in a felony charge.

Oscar also said he wanted to get clean before his parents passed away. Over the last 14 years, he’s worked hard to build a different life for himself and his family.

Now he brings that same experience and understanding to the clients he works with every day at TMRC. We’re proud of him for reaching this milestone and grateful to have him on our team. Congratulations, Oscar.

05/18/2026

This past Saturday, Turtle Mountain Recovery Center was honored to host our 1-Year Anniversary Sobriety Powwow at the Turtle Mountain College gymnasium.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make this event possible — the dancers, drum groups, hand game teams, vendors, community members, staff, current and former clients, and all those who attended in support of sobriety and healing.

One of the most meaningful moments of the day was honoring the memory of former Executive Director Joan Azure. We were honored to have members of Joan’s family present as Tribal Chairman Jamie Azure shared words in remembrance of Joan and her impact on our community. The family was presented with a memorial blanket in her honor. We would also like to thank Monica Mayer, MD, for her generous donation and for speaking during the dedication honoring Joan Azure.

We were also honored to recognize Leonard Peltier during the event with a blanket presentation following the arrival of the runners and walkers who completed the journey in unity and solidarity.

Another powerful moment came when individuals in recovery were invited to come forward and share their sobriety milestones. Thank you to everyone who shared part of their recovery journey with us.

Throughout the day, we were blessed with incredible dancers and drum groups, 10 hand game teams, community vendors, and wonderful food including chili, fry bread, and concessions.

Lastly, I want to personally thank the community for the warm welcome and kindness shown to me since joining TMRC in December as Executive Director. I am deeply honored to continue supporting recovery and healing alongside this community.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this gathering such a meaningful and successful event.

05/15/2026

‼️ATTENTION‼️
Tomorrow is not only the Turtle Mountain Recovery Centers first 1 Year Anniversary Powwow, but also a chance to join a group of long-distance runners.

They are running in unity and solidarity to bring awareness to causes like ending fascism, and NO Kings! It is a group of indigenous long-distance runners (and walkers) that are running 100 miles from Spirit Lake, ND to the Turtle Mountains in support of Leonard Peltier.

This will begin at 11 AM at the Derrick Dixon building and end at the TMC gymnasium, for the TMRC Sobriety Powwow.

05/11/2026

TMRC 1-Year Anniversary Sobriety Powwow

Please join Turtle Mountain Recovery Center this Saturday for our 1-Year Anniversary Sobriety Powwow as we celebrate one year of the TMRC Residential Program.

Saturday, May 16, 2026
Turtle Mountain College Gymnasium

Grand Entry:
1:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Community Feed:
5:00 PM

Registration for dancers and drummers will be held from:
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Special Events:

Flathead-Style Hand Games Contest
• 4-person teams
• 1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes

Special Memorial Traditional Contest Dance
• Adult Men’s & Women’s categories
• 1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes

Free vendor spaces are available.

Interested vendors may contact:
Robert Upton
701-550-0073
[email protected]

All dancers and drum groups are welcome. Day pay will be provided for drummers and dancers.

For questions, call TMRC at 701-477-8931.

05/10/2026

05/07/2026

Please join us in welcoming Jon to the TMRC team as our new Facilities Maintenance Technician!

Jon resides in Belcourt with his significant other. This month, Jon also celebrates one year of recovery — an incredible milestone that reflects his dedication, strength, and perseverance.

When asked what drew him to TMRC, Jon shared that he wanted to be around his “recovery family — one of my biggest supporters in my recovery.” He also shared that his significant other and three children, ages 9, 4, and 6 months, continue to motivate him every day to strive to be better.

Jon brings experience in drywall, framing, and finishing, and he is set to graduate in May from the Heavy Equipment Operations Program.

We are excited to have Jon as part of the TMRC family. Please help us welcome him!

05/06/2026

Today TMRC staff and clients attended the MMIW/MMIP awareness events at Turtle Mountain College and the community gathering at the KC Hall.

The day included speakers, songs, drumming, artwork, prayer, community activities, and stories shared in honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.

Thank you to everyone who organized, spoke, sang, created art, and shared space today. We were honored to attend and support the community.

No More Stolen Sisters.