High Level groups host their first sober dance

Page 19

Two local Native social service groups hosted their first dance March 9 at the High Level Friendship Centre to mark a special time in Native sobriety.

The Dene Tha' Counseling Program and Action North, a substance abuse Centre, threw open the doors and laid out the red carpet for more than 60 area Natives, who took part in their first sober dance event. The show was complete with cold pop, dancing entertainment and lots of sober friendship.

Alberta Native Maxine Courtoreille, along with her three-year-old son Avery Atchooay, only rested briefly between the almost non-stop playing by the local disc jockey. "It's great fun," she said while straightening up Avery's shirt tail before going on the floor for another number.

John Loftus, exective director of Action North, said sober dance events are just what the doctor ordered.

Action North, a 12-year-old, 28-day treatment Centre in High Level has been moving toward helping Natives through group activities.

Loftus said there has been a "marked improvement" in the program since the Centre started working in teams and groups.

"We're leading the way," he declared.

Dene Tha' counseling coordinator Gloria Letendre said the dance was "very successful."

Dene Tha' Counseling and Action North officials are hoping sober dances will become regular events on their calendars.