Local leader releases memoir on trauma, addiction and recovery

Jan 22, 2023 | 1:00 PM

Jenelle Brewer said sharing her life story was not easy, but she was inspired to do it to provide hope to others.

Brewer, a sqilx’w woman from Vernon and mother of two, is releasing her memoir, Releasing Jezebel: Embracing the Lioness Within early this year.

Brewer is a member of the Okanagan Indian Band who served two-terms on the band’s council, and recently served on the School District 22 Board of Directors after a 2021 by-election.

After sharing her story with friends and colleagues, she was encouraged to write a book telling her story which she hopes will help others as they struggle with recovery from trauma and addictions.

(Image credit: Submitted)

Highway alerts

Two orange rainfall warnings issued as heavy rain threatens southern B.C. highways

2h ago

Missing Snowmobilers

Three sledders, two whom were missing for days, rescued from Hunters Range area

4h ago

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

Dec 14, 2025

Brewer details in her book she lived what other children dreamed of on her family’s ranch on a reserve with her faithful dog, beautiful horses, a turtle-filled pond and abundant acreage to freely discover. However, her fairy-tale life could not be told without the presence of the villain of child abuse.

She struggled as a victim, but also as a witness, to the repeated abuse her close friend endured. Trauma shaped her personality from a very young age as she repeatedly faced and escaped her demons of shame and fear.

As a teenager, Jenelle used alcohol to numb emotional pain and eventually turned to drugs to forget what no child should have experienced or seen. Addiction rapidly led her on a roller coaster of highs and lows as she desperately attempted to bury her past.

Brewer’s story takes the reader through countless near-death encounters while dangerous men simultaneously implant the seed of unworthiness and its self-destructive consequence.

After becoming a mother, Brewer created a better life for herself and her children by tapping into her sheer will and determination to heal. She continues to fight the adversities of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome as she walks the road of recovery with integrity, leadership, and compassion. This is the story of the girl and woman who was and always will embrace the lioness within.

You can purchase a signed copy of Releasing Jezebel or a ticket to her in-person book launch event for 20 per cent off until February 14, 2023, or until quantities last.

The book launch will be held at the Vernon Prestige Lodge and Conference Centre on April 1, 2023. The ticket includes a copy of the book, appetizers, keynote speakers: Angie Lohr and Jade Seabrook, an author reading, a Burlesque performance by Femme Fatale Dance, and a dance with a live rock band—Sonic Rebels.

To purchase a book or an event ticket, go to www.jenellebrewer.ca

by Vernon Matters Staff

View Comments