7th Annual Opioid Summit

The seventh annual Opioid Summit "Navigating to Healing and Recovery” presented by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is a one-and-a-half-day conference being held on Monday, November 9 and Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Entertainment Hall in Mt. Pleasant, MI.

This conference welcomes all interested parties and communities affected by or interested in combating the opioid epidemic. The summit has been organized to benefit victim service providers, law enforcement, emergency response service members (EMT, Paramedics), health care professionals (physicians, nurses, advanced clinical practitioners, physician assistant/associates, social workers), educators, community organizers, human service workers, court personnel, therapists, addiction and recovery specialists, and students.

Navigating to Healing and Recovery

Brief, program-ready descriptions of featured keynote, breakout, clinical, community, and lived-experience sessions.

Beneath the Addiction: The Person Behind the Substance

Speaker(s): Bernadette Atanga, MD | Keynote Presentation

Dr. Atanga explores the person and life experiences that may exist beneath substance use, including personal and family history, culture, identity, grief, historical and intergenerational trauma, and belonging. Using a person-centered, strengths-based perspective, the presentation also highlights resilience, cultural connection, protective factors, harm reduction, and pathways toward healing and recovery.

The Lens We Bring: How Our History Shapes the Way We Respond

Speaker(s): Bernadette Atanga, MD | Interactive Workshop / Breakout Session

This interactive session turns the lens inward, inviting participants to examine how personal history, culture, beliefs, experiences, and professional backgrounds can influence responses to people experiencing addiction. Participants will explore how greater self-awareness can support more intentional, culturally humble, compassionate, and person-centered interactions.

The Genetics of Trauma and Substance Misuse

Speaker(s): Brian L. Meyer, PhD, LCP | Presentation

Dr. Meyer explores how vulnerabilities related to trauma and substance misuse can extend across generations, including the roles of genetics, intergenerational trauma, prenatal development, and substance exposure. The session also considers protective strategies that can help reduce children’s vulnerability to trauma and future substance misuse.

How to Protect Your Children and Minimize the Chances They Will Develop Substance Misuse Problems

Speaker(s): Brian L. Meyer, PhD, LCP | Presentation

Building on the genetics and trauma presentation, Dr. Meyer focuses on practical prevention strategies for children, adolescents, and families. The presentation addresses substance-use risks and ways families can support prevention through communication, positive role models, and other protective influences.

Complex Pain Treatments Off Label, 7-OH and Everything After

Speaker(s): Juliette Perzhinsky, MD, MSc, FACP, FASAM | Clinical Presentation

This clinically focused session examines complex chronic pain and opioid use disorder, including patient risk assessment, monitoring, buprenorphine, low-dose naltrexone, and pharmacotherapeutic and integrative treatment options. The presentation also addresses emerging concerns involving kratom and concentrated 7-OH products and uses clinical cases to examine treatment considerations.

Our Journey

Speaker(s): Brandon Leaureaux and Casey Monroe | Lived-Experience / Recovery Presentation

Through personal stories of substance use, treatment, recovery, family, faith, and rebuilding their lives, Brandon Leaureaux and Casey Monroe share their individual journeys toward recovery. Their presentation emphasizes the importance of support, community connection, purpose, and hope, reinforcing that recovery is possible and no one has to navigate the journey alone.

Recovery Friendly Workplace

Speaker(s): Speaker names not identified in the presentation materials | Ten16 Recovery Network / Michigan Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative

This session introduces the Michigan Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative and explores how workplaces can intentionally support people affected by substance use disorder and people in recovery. Participants will learn about the Recovery Friendly Workplace model, benefits for employers and employees, stigma reduction, person-centered language, and steps organizations can take toward becoming recovery friendly.

Addiction: Causes and Conditions - The Road to Long-Term Recovery

Speaker(s): Justin Phillips, Overdose Lifeline | Presentation

This presentation examines addiction as a chronic medical disease and explores biological, environmental, trauma-related, and cultural factors associated with substance use disorder. It addresses treatment barriers and stigma, the effects of addiction on the brain, neuroplasticity, culturally responsive approaches, and individualized pathways toward recovery.

Exploring the Role of ACEs and Trauma in Substance Use Disorder

Speaker(s): Justin Phillips, Overdose Lifeline | Presentation

This session examines the relationship among adverse childhood experiences, trauma, toxic stress, and substance use disorder. It connects childhood adversity with later health and substance-use outcomes while exploring prevention, resilience, positive childhood experiences, trauma-informed care, and integrated approaches to trauma and substance use disorder.

Community Action Plan for Addressing the Opioid Health Crisis through Education and Prevention Strategies

Speaker(s): Justin Phillips, Overdose Lifeline | Community-Focused Presentation

This presentation examines the need for collaborative approaches to the opioid health crisis. The session identifies treatment barriers and reviews strategies involving education and prevention, safe prescribing, screening and early intervention, stigma reduction, harm reduction, naloxone access, treatment, recovery, and coordinated community action.

Journey to Solutions: Recovery Is Possible. Hope Is Real.

Speaker(s): Marco Ferrante and Fausto Castellanos, CADC-II, Journey to Solutions | Recovery-Centered Presentation

This presentation introduces Journey to Solutions and its focus on connecting individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health challenges with resources and support. Marco Ferrante’s story provides the foundation for the organization, while Fausto Castellanos brings a lived-experience perspective centered on healing, hope, purpose, and recovery.

Suicide Prevention: What We Need to Know Now

Speaker(s): Barb Smith, Suicide Resource & Response Network | Interactive Workshop

This workshop addresses the intersection of suicide risk, mental health, and substance use while focusing on reducing stigma, recognizing concerns, communicating directly, and connecting people with support. A central component is the practical Ask, Listen, Connect framework for initiating conversations, listening without judgment, and helping individuals connect with appropriate resources.

We Don’t Navigate Recovery Alone: Two Stories of Healing, Hope & Recovery

Speaker(s): Terri V. Smith and Amanda George | Lived-Experience / Recovery Presentation

Through two lived-experience perspectives, this session explores treatment, recovery, reentry, connection, accountability, hope, purpose, and community. The speakers emphasize that there is no single road to recovery, that accountability and compassion can coexist, and that no one should have to find the path alone.The Bureau of Indian Affairs’ mission is to enhance the quality of life, to promote economic opportunity, and to carry out the responsibility to protect and improve the trust assets of American Indians, Indian tribes, and Alaskan Natives.

Thank you to all the generous sponsors of the 7th Annual Opioid Summit, including the Silver Sponsoring Organizations: Anderson Medical Supplies, Inc & Skywood Recovery.

Exhibitor, Vendor, & Sponsorship Submission Form: 7th Annual Opioid Summit Vendor/Exhibitor Interest Form

Agenda details on this website are subject to change.

Help Keep the Local Community Warm:

Conference attendees are invited to participate in a local coat drive. Additional information listed in the FAQ section below.

Info: Danit'ada (Hello), my name is Jacob Crane and I am an enrolled citizen of the Tsuut'ina Nation! I am a professional American Indian powwow dancer and singer based in Utah. I proudly lead the Cultural Fire Event Dancers, a talented group of Native American dancers and singers who bring vibrant cultural performances to life.
Whether it’s an outside event, gathering, conference, summit, school assembly, performance, or a celebration, we are here to elevate your event with the power and beauty of Native American dance and music. Learn more: https://www.culturalfireevents.org/

Event venue

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, 6800 Soaring Eagle Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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