Advocating for a Better Future.
My Story
Hi! I’m Nikki Jo Mattinas and I am 32 years old. I am from the Oji-Cree tribe in Northern Ontario. I have struggled with addiction my whole life and I am 2 years clean. I am a mother to my beautiful daughter. She is my whole world.
I used to live on the street in my community, homeless, and addicted to IV drugs. Recently, I went to get treatment at a center for those dealing with trauma and addiction. The centers treatment aided me with my recovery journey. When I got clean, I grasped the First Nation culture greatly, and its traditional ways; getting back to having a balanced life. I am an artist and I always enjoyed painting, drawing and sketching. Once I was 18 months clean, I was able to get my daughter back into my primary care.
I started to share my journey with Tik Tok. Over a few months time, I gained thousands of followers that were inspired, and moved, by my journey. Recently, I started a fan-based merch line with artwork on them. These items include hoodies, t-shirts and totes.
I've Built a Connection...
to people on Tik Tok who have similar stories or situations that they can relate too. I realized that my story was relatable and I felt the need to advocate for people who struggle with addiction and mental health. I also suffer with anxiety and depression, which is why mental health plays such a key role in my recovery. Why I advocate is to use my voice to speak for those who have died or who are still using because of addiction. I feel an urge to share my journey to show people that recovery is possible and we can get our lives back.
I have 16.5K followers on Tik Tok and I have tremendous support to keep inspiring others and to keep doing artwork, and advocating for this cause. I carry sacred women’s teachings; I go to ceremonies and I have a spiritual connection with my Higher Power. I feel that it is my bigger purpose to inspire and to help others who have no voice. I am a believer that I am a victim of intergenerational trauma, my grandmother attend residential school and she died of liver failure 15 years ago due to her alcoholism.
Breaking the cycle of trauma is important to me in my family. I pray for suffering addicts. I pray for families who lost loved ones due to addictions. I pray for guidance on my journey and the path I’m walking on. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to touch people’s lives with hope.
Miigwetch (Thank you)