‘Healing is possible’: Iqaluit councillor returns following alcohol-use treatment

Iqaluit Coun. Sam Tilley says he is healed and more motivated than ever to serve the community following his return from treatment for alcohol use.

Tilley made his return to city council Tuesday night after taking part in a two-month program in British Columbia.

“I speak to you today not just as a councillor, but as a person who has faced struggle, stood at a crossroads and made the choice to fight for my future,” Tilley said in a statement to councillors.

He described the past few months as “deeply personal” and “transformative,” as he has worked to address his addictions, trauma and mental health issues.

“By acknowledging and treating these struggles, I gained an understanding of resilience, compassion, and strength — qualities I believe are essential in serving our community,” he said.

Tilley used his statement to speak to others in Iqaluit who might be struggling with mental health and addiction. His message is: you are not alone.

“I stand as proof that change is possible, healing is possible, strength is possible, and if my journey can inspire even one person to take that first step to reach out, to believe that there is hope, then every struggle has been worth it,” he said.

“Let us come together as a community, remove stigmas, support one another, and build a healthier, more compassionate city for everyone.”

Tilley’s statement was met with applause.

Councillors Simon Nattaq and Amber Aglukark followed with statements of their own praising Tilley for his recovery.

“As an Inuk man, your journey is not just personal, it’s powerful and inspiring for everyone who is watching,” Aglukark said, mentioning that she has known Tilley since they grew up together in Arviat.

“You’ve demonstrated that true healing is possible, and in doing so, you are leading by example.”

Mayor Solomon Awa also praised Tilley for his progress.

“The things that we go through cannot change unless we rise up and change them,” he said.

Tilley, who is in his second term on council, spoke with reporters after the meeting. He described the program he attended as three years’ worth of treatment done over nine weeks.

He spoke of being surrounded by the tall trees of Vancouver Island, and the “healing” opportunity when he was given a blanket in a ceremony led by members of the Saanich First Nations.

He said he has a “clear mindset” and a positive outlook on the future as he remains committed to serving on city council.

“The people that voted for me — and not just who voted for me, but the people of Iqaluit — need to know these kinds of things,” Tilley said when asked about going public about his treatment.

“I felt obligated to do it for them. Not just for them, but for myself.”