Metis Addictions Council nets national award

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Twenty-five years of addiction awareness and counselling services have resulted in a national award for the Metis Addiction council of Saskatchewan.

The Canadian Centre of Substance Abuse Medallion of Distinction for Saskatchewan was presented to the council in Prince Albert on Nov. 16.

"The Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan has made important contributions to the alcohol and drug abuse field in Saskatchewan.," said Leila Campbell, chairwoman of the selection committee.

"We've touched the lives of many, many people over the years," said Joyce Racette, executive director of the council. "I think our award is very big, we're just so happy. It's very nice to win this award, especially this year during our silver anniversary celebrations."

The council was established in 1969 to provide rehabilitation, education and prevention services.

Currently, there are three in-patient centres, including a youth centre and a detox centre, that provide addictions counselling and community education services. Also available are out-patient services which include assessments and referrals.

The council recently received a grant from Saskatchewan Health to open a new out-patient centre in North Battleford to treat gambling addictions.

The council celebrated the anniversary Oct. 7 with an awards tea and reception. Special awards and certificates were given out to founding members, past executive and board members, and long-term employees.

The program they offer differ from others in Saskatchewan, said Racette. All of the council staff is Native or Metis, and traditional healing is heavily stressed.

"We use Elders. The Elders come in and help with the clients just by talking and being there.

"We burn sweetgrass and have pipe ceremonies. It's very important to have the traditional healing. In our Regina centre, using traditional healing practices, our successes have doubled."

Traditional healing is successful, said Racette, because a lot of the people who come to them don't have any pride in their Metis or Aboriginal heritage.

"When they leave, they have a different understanding of what it is to be Metis or Native. They feel better about themselves. We really work on building their self-esteem."

The council celebrated its award Nov. 17 at the Prince Albert Native Friendship Centre with a feast and pipe ceremony.