Respecting elders' advice paid off for Alexander

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Alexander reserve has a population of about 700 people, but the little community enjoyed a full week of activities last November during National Addictions Awareness week.

"We started organizing early and we had participation from the secretaries, nurses, the NNADAP worker and the entire health center staff," said Dora Courteoreille, program director for health services. Band councilors Victoria Arcand and Harvey Burnstick also attended meetings and helped in every way.

The Cree reserve, located 12 miles west of Morinville, which is north of Edmonton, started the week with a traditional feast. "Our elders told us if we have the blessing from our spiritual grandfathers and grandmothers to begin the activities, the rest of the week would go well," said Courteoreille. "We respected our elders' advice and they were right as usual."

A solemn ceremony and a sober march around the village ending at the cemetery followed the feast. Tribute was paid to those who had passed on.

"A lot of people have died as a result of alcohol and drug abuse," lamented Courteoreill. "We must remember the negative impacts while trying to overcome the obstacles to a more positive lifestyle."

The importance of the opening night celebrations was further emphasized when participants gathered around a monument which had been erected in the village.

"Last year was the 100th anniversary of our community," said Courteorille. "We erected a commemorative monument with the last names f the original families engraved on it."

The rest of the week was busy. Workshops, a talent show, bingos, lip sync contests, a pancake breakfast and a round dance kept residents of the community occupied. "We had good co-operation from outside sources, too, said Courteoreille. "The RCMP from Morinville, for instance, came in and ran a workshop on substance abuse and prevention." As well Cheryl Watkins from the Chemical Awareness Institute in Arizona accepted the band's invitation to attend the activities.

"She put on a presentation that was really moving," said Courteoreille. As a result of Watkins' workshop, several more sessions have been held in the community since November with teachers, social workers, and nurses among the caregivers receiving training from the institute.

"Our talent show was a lot of fun," laughed Courteoreille. "We had mostly local talent, everyone was very relaxed, and enjoyed the evening." Deveral ladies put on a fashion show with "the latest styles in coveralls and gum boots." Other acts included skits, singing and lip sync contests.

"We had some quiet moments, too. Local singers, especially one young fellow, who sang from the heart of personal experiences, brought us back to the theme of the week."

The planning committee took advantage of the large attendance to present reports on each band-operated program. "We had reports from the band administration, the elders' home, economic development, public works and the chief and council," said Courteorille said. "We felt we should inform the public on day-to-day happenings."

The action-packed seven days ended with two banquets. "We had a traditional banquet and a contemporary dinner and even though we had formed a circle on a couple of occasions through the week, we did it one more time to honor the people who have been through rough times and are now coping successfully.

From the Alexander band 193 people have entered treatment centers since 1983 alone. "There are others who have overcome substance abuse on their own, too," added Courteoreille proudly noting most of them have stayed on the sober path. "We felt their tremendous success should be acknowledged."

Alexander organizers plan a similar week of celebrations for 1990.