Awareness week united Saskatchewan reserve

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"Last year's National Addiction Awareness Week activities united our peel for those few days at least, regardless of political background," says Joe Severight, co-ordinator of the drug and alcohol abuse program with the Cote Band in Saskatchewan.

"We found out, too, we have a lot of local resources like the doctor, the police and (band) members who are willing to share their own personal stories," he adds.

The reserve, located near Yorkton, Sask. on the Manitoba / Saskatchewan border, boasts a population of 800 residents. "The community health representatives helped me co-ordinate the whole thing," Severight says. The chief and council also backed the week's activities, making a cash donation and offering other resources as well.

One highlight of the week was a three-day conference. "Ladies came out from a self-help group from nearby Kamsack, both Native and non-Native and acted as resource people. Many had personal experiences to share with us, others had information to give," says Severight. A monthly workshop has continued as a spin-off of the conference.

"We meet and talk about everyday experiences, substance abuse and the social problems that come with it," explains Severight.

The co-ordinator notes there is good response to the monthly meetings, adding that one problem is a lack of resource people who will come out to the reserve. "It's a three or four hour drive from Saskatoon, but if anyone would come out to talk to us about any timely topic, I can guarantee the interest is there."

Another bright spot in the week's celebrations was the attendance of Regina city police officers. Their attendance was part of a program by the department to improve relations between the police and racial minorities.

"We talked about everything from substance abuse to problems encountered when we leave the reserve to live in the city," says Severight. "We really enjoyed their participation."

Meetings to plan the week had been attended by band council members, community health representatives, elders, the doctor, nurse and officials of the treatment center. "And we had the participation of the whole community." A dry dance, discussion groups and workshops rounded out the activities.

"This year we want to get started earlier and plan a whole week's activities," says Severight. "But we all agree as a community that every week should be awareness week."