YOUNG FOLKS WALK FOR A DRUG-FREE FUTURE

More than 100 students took to the streets of Prince Albert on Tuesday
as part of a walk to raise awareness of drugs and alcohol.

"We're trying to be a role model for other youth," said Shane
Umpherville, 20, a student from Won Ska Cultural School.

Some of the youths who participated in the Metis Addiction Council of
Saskatchewan Inc. sixth annual addiction awareness walk, have
experienced the problems that come from using drugs and alcohol.

James Starblanket, 23, is part of the STEP Program, the Supported
Transition to Employment Program for people who have been in the
correctional system.

He said he is in the process of stopping drug use and drinking because
he doesn't want his kids to grow up thinking that the lifestyle of a
drug user is OK.

"(We want) to help other people get out of the drug life and off the
streets," said Joseph Sauve, 17, from Won Ska Cultural School.

These students walked with kids from Wesmor Community High School and
Princess Margaret School.

Sauve said he sees younger friends make bad decisions that could lead
to addictions.

"Because there are more drugs, everyone is doing whatever now. It's
like kids are doing the drugs they see on the streets and they're all
messed up," he said.

His best guess is that kids start experimenting with drugs and alcohol
between the ages of 13 and 15 years old.

Christine Delorme, assistant regional director of Metis Addiction
Council of Saskatchewan Inc., said the turnout for the walk was better
than she expected. She said drug use over the past couple of years has
evened out.

"I don't see it getting any better, but then I don't see it getting a
whole lot worse, either."

At the end of the walk, the participants filled the Youth Activity
Centre to hear messages from the community.

"You kids, you are the ones who are going to make a difference. Not
us, we're too old. Not me, I'm 61. It's you people," said John
Fryters, who co-ordinates the STEP program and the Skills Unlimited
program for people in methadone-assisted recovery.

Sauve is one of many youth who think simple things can make a
difference to younger generations, preventing them from using drugs.

"Stop a little brother or sister from doing it," he said.