LOCAL EXPERTS URGE CONFRONTATION OF DRUG, ALCOHOL ADDICTIONS

An solemn group joined in prayer and march last Tuesday to reflect on
the effect of drugs and alcohol on one's life.

The procession, made up of community members, RCMP and Sagitawa
Friendship centre volunteers, celebrated unity in the face of
addiction for the centre's second annual Sober Walk.

As program volunteer co-ordinator Diane Ireland explained, the event
did not focus on any particular social group but rather on the whole
community.

"People who join support our cause ... are those in in situations of
drug or alcohol abuse, or have friends or family members who lost
their lives [to drug abuse].

"We work on touching those who are affected," she said.

Participants met in the park for an Aboriginal circle prayer and
walked together to the Sagitawa Friendship Center. There, Dennis
Whitford performed a traditional dance in full regalia. He said the
day had special meaning for him.

"I can relate to that thirst for a drink ... I know the pain that
mothers, aunties, children experience because of substance abuse," he
said.

"Today is a good day to put the past behind us."