Pubdate: Fri, 15 Sep 2006
Source: Coast Reporter (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Coast Reporter
Contact:  http://www.coastreporter.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/580
Author: Cathie Roy, Staff Writer

CHARTING AN ADDICTIONS-FREE COURSE

Celebrating accomplishments and keeping their community alcohol and 
drug free are vital themes for the current chief and council of the 
Sechelt Indian Band.

Well over 100 people attended a barbecue on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at the 
Band's community hall to recognize several stellar feats recorded 
over the past summer.

The excellent athletic team that went to Colorado was acknowledged 
for their winning ways. The soccer players, ranging in age from 13 to 
18, were part of the Team B.C. contingent that went to Denver and 
Colorado Springs for the North American Indigenous Games. They 
brought home an amazing six medals -- five gold and one silver.

The parents were thanked for their hard work in fundraising for the 
journey. Their efforts were so successful that the costs covered and 
each child ended up with some pocket money as well.

A bright photo collage of the team's experiences lined one of the 
walls in the hall. Photographer Joyce Joe, one of the moms who 
fundraised and accompanied the team, recalled the feeling of awe she 
got from seeing all the different First Nations people in their 
regalia. It was an emotional moment she said she would never forget.

Another group honoured at the dinner was the Tribal Journeys 
participants. Although the canoes were supposed to go only as far as 
Tsawwassen, the gang of determined pullers ended up going the 
distance to Muckleshoot in Washington state.

Time after time these brave souls faced monetary and other 
restrictions. One of the key personnel on the trip, Carlene Joe, told 
about having to dump milk to use the container as a bailer. She 
presented certificates to all the participants as well as those folks 
who stepped up to help the pullers realize their dream. Joe had 
special thanks for both Candace Campo and Wes Nahanee for helping 
them financially.

Joe also touched on the other theme of the evening when she talked 
about the need to take back the community from alcohol and drugs. She 
recently celebrated her first year of clean living and is anxious for 
others to do the same.

Dave Wilson with the addictions branch of Vancouver Coastal Health 
held a brainstorming session with the people present for ways to help 
Band members become addiction free.

Wilson said the Band has $10,000 available from B.C. Union of 
Municipalities to combat crystal meth in the community. Some of the 
ideas brought forward at the meeting included team building with 
youth. Other audience members wanted to see guest speakers, people in 
recovery. Some felt a need for safe houses for recovering addicts to 
go to after they've been to recovery centres.

One man thought it would be helpful to have a return to traditional 
places such as Vancouver Bay and Secluded Bay for families to 
experience nature and the Creator in quietness.

A drop-in centre for youth, a 24-hour hot line and youth addiction 
prevention workshops were other ideas brought forward. Another Band 
member reminded the assembled that not only youth but adults are 
bored too; he suggested "dry" dances to entertain older people.

Among the suggestions was a need for better relationships with 
police, an initiative several Band members are already working on. At 
Tuesday's barbecue, constables Kelly Allan and Tracy Dubnyk arrived 
in time to cook the second round of burgers and hot dogs.

The evening closed with traditional music and dance. The Xwamtsut 
Dance Group provided much of the entertainment. The dancers are 
quickly becoming fine ambassadors for the local Band. Their energy 
and talent give credit to their instructors, among them Andy Johnson 
and Candace Campo.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine