Our National Aboriginal Addictions Awareness Week celebrations began on Sunday with 78 Canoe Creek Band members converging in Dog Creek for a Potluck Dinner, “Honoring our Elder’s Sobriety.” The theme was embraced community-wide and began with a drum song that included the very young to Elders participating.
Gerry Oleman, our Guest Speaker, opened the week with a motivational talk on being the “somebody” to bring about change in our community as all too often we hear, “Somebody should…” or “When is somebody going to … “
Gerry emphasized how we must work together to heal from the hurts of racism, residential school and addictions. He graphically spelled out, through dynamic
storytelling, how we all came from good people, ancestors who were wonderful, kind and generous people that took care of themselves and each other. Gerry explained that this is the life we are going to revive so that our children and grandchildren have a chance to live a successful and happy life.
The Elder’s were gifted and each was provided an opportunity to speak if they so chose to. All though we gambled (and NAAAW isn’t a time to do so) on opening the floor up, many of the Elder’s jumped at the chance to speak to the group on the importance of a sober community and encouraging everyone to participate in the week’s healing workshops. In fact, one of the most rewarding aspects of the evening’s events was hearing from the typically shy Elders that took advantage of the open microphone.
On Monday in Dog Creek, Gerry facilitated an Elder’s only workshop on “Blazing the Trail and Passing the Torch.” Through a series of sharing circles, the 11 Elders discussed: their own experiences with addictions; how they overcome their addictions; their current concerns for their community; and how they could “make new tracks” to help stop the addictions – how they could be an active part of the solutions. Following a dinner for all, Gerry hosted a women’s workshop seeing the 16 participants through a simple, yet very powerful exercise on “Finding our Loving Voice.” Participants explored: changes they would like to see for their daughters; changes they would like to see for the wives in the community; and their role in seeing that those changes come about. During the closing circle, each participant shared an, “I will … ” statement, empowering them to “become the change.”
Grades 4-10 at the Dog Creek School and Rosy Seymour School in Canoe Creek were treated to workshop on First Nation History and the role the youth played in the community. They were told a story of a “good student Eagle,” about how Eagle always sat straight and tall so he was sure to hear and see everything his teacher said and did so he could learn everything the teacher had to offer. The 29 students learned about the different addictions and how being healthy means you have a strong body, mind and spirit. (And that when you sit straight and tall like Eagle, you don’t get a hunch back!) They brainstormed about how addictions hurt people, families, and communities and how they could help stop addictions. Their session concluded with “Dear Addict” statements, in which they shared positive things they would say to someone with an addiction.
That evening, 9 men met with Gerry for a “Finding Grades 4-10 at the Dog Creek School and Rosy Seymour School in Canoe Creek were treated to workshop on First Nation History and the role the youth played in the community. They were told a story of a “good student Eagle,” about how Eagle always sat straight and tall so he was sure to hear and see everything his teacher said and did so he could learn everything the teacher had to offer. The 29 students learned about the our Loving Voice” workshop. The session began with a prayer and dinner and time was spent discussion specific things they could do to implement positive lifestyle changes for themselves, their family, and their community. This group also discussed the 5 R’s – Racism, Religion, Reserve, Residential Schools, and the RCMP – once people are able to understand the negative impact the 5 R’s had on our people, then they can begin to
make changes in understanding one another and working together to heal as a community.
A Staff Wellness Workshop was help on Wednesday, with the theme “Working Together” being presented by first exploring the 5 R’s that have impacted our communities and created the dysfunction in many of the relationship today. The terms Healing and Healthy Living were discussed in the context of how First Nations Ancestors once lived and how we can practice communication and respect for one another in our day-to-day living to return once again to strong, caring, and helpful people.
NAAAW ended with a catered dinner and family entertainment – comedic magician, Clint W. Gray – where over 100 community members came together, socialized, and laughed until they almost cried! The youth were honored at this dinner and the winners of the NAAAW Poster Contest were awarded their prizes. During the event, many door prizes were also awarded that mostly consisted of family board games.
In partnership with the Circle of Life and Holistic Wellness Program, WUS Recreation Department, Eagle-Eye Consulting, Treaty and Fisheries, NAAAW began in the community of Sugar Can with various workshops. Monday through Wednesday, the young men came together at the Health Station learned about Substance Abuse, Gambling, Healthy Choices/Healthy Lifestyles, Suicide Prevention, and Decision Making. Charlotte Gilbert from Treaty provided a power point presentation on First Nation History and the Treaty Process. Andrew Meshue from Fisheries provided a lively discussion and slide show on Fisheries.
On the final day, the youth were brought out on the land for a hunting trip. Robin Gilbert, Recreation Director, facilitated the expedition and taught about gun safety; directions – compass and by location of the sun; animal track identification – and how to tell how fresh the tracks were based on the direction of the sun and how much of the frost had melted from the sun’s exposure; and following existing trails and marking new ones. Unfortunately, the group was a little loud and therefore no animals were seen on this outing. But on a positive note, no animals were harmed and the participants enjoyed themselves immensely. Each of the participants were gifted with a “Survival Kit” that included such items as: compass; space blanket; safety whistle; rain
While the 9 young men were participating in their workshops, 11 young ladies were simultaneous meeting with Shawna Philbreck, Recreation Assistant. The girls made NAAAW posters and banners; baked cookies and other goodies; had manicures and pedicures; explored youth-friendly drug awareness sites on the internet; and discussed the “Drug Facts for Kids” resource developed by Three Corners Health Services Society for NAAAW.
NAAW 2010 REPORT CHECKLIST
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
