Southern Ute Behavioral Peer Recovery Coach and organizer of the 4th Annual Recovery Retreat, Marvina Olguin (center) along with presenters and speakers, gather on stage before parting along their respective healing journeys.

Native love Board members, Lorelei Cloud and Vanessa Torres provide information about Native Love.

Comedian James Junes, a Dine comedian and one half of the James & Ernie comedy duo, expresses visually the “addition” and dependency on social media, and the attachment to technology. “Someone’s grandma is out there taking photos like this,” jokes Junes.

Dine comedian duo, James & Ernie provided comedy relief pertaining to their own journeys of recovery. James Junes of Farmington, NM and Ernie Tsosie III touched on sobriety, music, health and recovery in their comedy skit.

Weyhan “Moon” Smith (Algonquin) talks of his personal “Healing Journey” in recovery through cultural connection, and family involvement. Smith is community health advocate and Director of Community Engagement at the Santa Fe Recovery Center.

Southern Ute Behavioral Health staffers, Benjamin "Benny" Lopez, Rebecca Gale and Julia Valdez, sling the swag during registration for the Recovery retreat,

Kimberly Armstrong, talks of her experience as a survivor during the “Healing Inside Out After Surviving the Storm of DV” breakout session. The session was led by Alfreda Armstrong of Morning Star Healing.

Dwight Francisco (Tohono O’odham) and Theda New Breast (Blackfeet) of Native Wellness Institute led the Native Youth Wellness and Leadership Youth Workshop. Dwight speaks of the effects of negative and positive speech and the effects it has on the body.

Recovery retreat attendees, Robin Duffy-Wirth, Mikki Naranjo and Linda Baker pose with MC Chance Rush.

Southern Behavioral Health staff members enjoy breakfast and conversations with presenters and community members.

Dwight Francisco (Tohono O’odham) introduces himself along with Theda New Breast (Blackfeet). They led the first Youth Component introduced in this year’s Recovery Retreat.

Ute elder, Hanley Frost, offered the opening prayer and Southern Ute Councilwoman, Marge Barry welcomed the participants to the 4th Annual Recovery Retreat. Chance Rush emceed the days event. Rush, a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, is also a motivational speaker, actor, and life coach.

Ute elder, Hanley Frost, offered the opening prayer and Southern Ute Councilwoman, Marge Barry welcomed the participants to begin the 4th Annual Recovery Retreat, Saturday, May 16 at the Sky Ute Casino Resort.

Cody Baker and his family.

Jai'Markus Height, Trisheena Height, and Tiny Tot 4th of July Princess, Bonnii Height.

Marettas Frost and her daughters and family enjoy each others company.

Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

Recovery in Ignacio

Friday - May 29, 2026 by Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

The 4th Annual Recovery Retreat was honored to welcome the Native Wellness Institute to facilitate the first ever youth portion of the retreat – expanding the event to include youth participants – an important step in strengthening intergenerational healing, connection, and recovery within our communities. MC, Chance Rush, guiding the day with energy and encouragement. James and Ernie, closed the retreat with Native American comedy, bringing laughter and positivity to the event. This recovery-centered gathering brought together individuals and families from across the Four Corners region to support healing, wellness, and community connection.

Tags: 4th Annual Recovery Retreat, Alfreda Armstrong, Bonnii Height, Chance Rush, Dwight Francisco, Ernest Tsosie III, Hanley Frost, Jai’Markus Height, James and Ernie, James Junes, Kimberly Armstrong, Marvina Olguin, Rebecca Gale, Southern Ute Behavioral Health, Theda New Breast, Trisheena Height, Weyhan “Moon” Smith