Pubdate: Sat, 26 Nov 2005
Source: Central Plains Herald-Leader (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005 Central Plains Herald-Leader
Contact:  http://www.cpheraldleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3854
Author: Angela Brown
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

HITTING THE ROAD TO PROMOTE HEALTHY CHOICES

Members of Three First Nations Walk, Bicycle in Bid to Prevent Kids
 From Drinking, Doing Drugs

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE -- A group of First Nations youth had an extra long
workout on Nov. 21.

They biked 80 kilometres from Keeshkeemaquah Conference on the
outskirts of Portage la Prairie to Sandy Bay First Nation Community
Complex.

The excursion was part of a collaborative effort involving members of
several First Nations communities in the Central Plains area. They
joined together to walk in a bid to promote a drug and alcohol-free
lifestyle.

In an effort to raise awareness during National Addictions Awareness
Week, which ends on Saturday, about 35 youth and elders from Dakota
Tipi, Long Plain and Sandy Bay First Nations came together in
solidarity to participate in the historic event.

Walkers left from Dakota Tipi Community Gaming Centre at 10 a.m. and
Keeshkeemaquah Conference and Gaming Centre.

A group of participants then continued the journey and cycled to Sandy
Bay. That portion of the trip wrapped up around 4 p.m.

Elvis Roulette, from Sandy Bay, was among the six bikers who took
part.

"It's really important," he said in an interview following the end of
the trek.

The 18 year old said he is aware of individuals who are involved with
drugs.

He said by participating in the inaugural event, he hoped to spread
the word to aboriginal youth about the dangers of addiction.

"I feel like I'm helping them out by doing it," Roulette
said.

Albert Lywak, 15, a student at Isaac Beaulieu Memorial School in Sandy
Bay, participated in the walk with some of his friends. He said he
thought it was important to take a stand.

The youth said "lots of people" he knows have problems with addiction
and he worries about them.

Laura Mousseau who works for Sandy Bay Health Centre said she hoped by
have all three First Nations reserves getting involved as one
community, perhaps the message would reach more people.

"There's too many alcohol-related accidents or deaths that could be
prevented," she said while waiting for the walk to begin at Dakota
Tipi.

Sandra McIvor of Sandy Bay Ojibway Child and Family Services said she
was there to show her support for the cause.

"Most of our children are in care because of addictions and
alcohol-related issued," she said. "We're supporting the Sandy Bay
Health Centre."

In an interview before the walk's opening ceremony, Dakota Tipi Chief
Cornell Pashe said he wanted to see some efforts in prevention to
improve the future, not just for First Nations people who are
encountering drug and alcohol addictions, but for all people.

"We all have the same problems and alcohol and drugs is one of them,"
he said. "There's a lot more we can be doing in preventive measures
when it comes to alcohol, drugs, etc., and the impact it has on First
Nations, and not only First Nations, but right across the board."
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake