From across the continent: Elders gather to share common vision

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Inside the new ST. Paul's Alcohol Treatment Centre here about 100 traditional Elders and spiritual leaders gathered in a sacred circle to share a common vision.

The Elders, representing almost every tribe in North America, gathered for five days from February 23 to 27 to review the philosophies, activities and future plans of the afour Worlds Development Project, based in the Faculty of Education at the University of Lethbridge.

The same group of Elders came together in December 1982 to discuss the elimination of alcohol and drug abuse in Native communities. They were instrumental in providing inspiration and guidance to the Four World Project.

The Elders are the foundation of the project and believe in a wholistic concept. They believe that by following Native traditional values such as honesty, kindness, forgiveness, understanding, sharing and courage, Native people will re-emerge as a proud people and make major contributions to the health and healing of the entire human race.

The project's powerful film, "The Honour of All ? The Story of Alkali Lake" depicts how Native people near Williams Lake, B.C. conquered alcoholism. The film move audiences to tears and was a turning point for many Native people on what they could do in making their communities a better place to live.

As Alkali Lake Chief Andy Chelsea put it, "stopping the booze was only the beginning. Underneath the alcohol are all the root causes that took us to the bottle in the first place."

Despite the many sufferings and injustices faced by Native people, Phil Lane Jr., co-ordinator of the Four World Development Project, said those who hurts must be set aside.

"The time has come when we must forgive ourselves and one another to what has been and go forward in faith and love with members of the human family."

He said through pain and sacrificing, Native people can progress positively. But Native people must not overlook their own people in success and become materialistic or oppress their own people.

Rose Yellow Feet, Blood Elder, was at the first Elders' meeting with Four Worlds Development Project. She said Elders are the traditional teachers in Native societies and have played a leading role in the project's development.

"We knew there were many problems facing Native people-alcohol, drugs, glue sniffing. Our pride was taken away when the welfare system was introduced.

"We thought about what we can do so that we can get(back) our self-esteem so that we can look after ourselves," said Yellowfeet.

She said an Elder told her 25 years ago that Native people had hit rock-bottom in their lives and were now on their way up again.

The importance of a cultural foundation is stressed in the project's goal of eliminating alcohol and drug abuse by the year 2000. The Nacho Nyak Dan (Big River People) Indian Band of Mayo, Yukon turned to the project a year ago because many of their cultural beliefs and traditions were lost.

"We had a collective vision of where we wanted to go(in alcohol treatment), but we were blocked by guiding in our vision. Four Worlds released those blocks by guiding us in our quest to eliminate alcohol and drug abuse in our community," said Bob Roach, an alcoholism counsellor.

With the highest rate of alcoholism per capita in Canada, Mayo, the capital of the Yukon, has a population of 15,000 and 27 bars.

Roach said with the support of their chief and council they have introduced an alcohol and drug abuse curriculum in the schools and other have followed suit. They have also built a group home for troubled Native children involved in alcohol and drug abuse.

The Big River People Band Council has donated 15.9 acres to construct two "safe houses" for battered women and a proposed alcohol treatment centre.

The Flathead Reservation in Montana has been involved with the project since its inception through its alcohol treatment centre. Cathi Dupuis Shortman said the project has most importantly brought her community together.

She sid there were many cliques on the reserve and they were working in isolation on various projects in the community. With the project's wholistic concept, communication and co-operation has improved in her community.

While the project attracted a loyal group, it also influenced others who wanted to know more about the project to improve their communities.

Sam Bald Eagle Augustine of the Big Cove Reserve in New Brunswick wants to introduce the project to his reserve.

But he realizes that will be a problem since many of his tribal members have lost their traditional beliefs and customs.

"The Catholic spirituality is very dominant in our community. Some of my people make fun of the Native religion," said Bald Eagle Augustine.

"I really believe the project will work and I'll pass the word around," he said.

Elders have identified four areas of development for the next four years including curriculum supporting human and community development ??, networking of communities across North America and community support.