MANNAWANIS HOLDS ANNUAL ADDICTIONS AWARENESS WALK

The Mannawanis Native Friendship Centre along with Portage College and the
Metis Local 1896 observed National Addiction Awareness Week by holding a
walk last Wednesday.

The walk started at the RCMP station and ended at the friendship centre,
where speakers presented along with a lunch.

"The NAAW walk is put on to support people who choose a drug and alcohol
free lifestyle," said Kevin Prather. "Portage College always comes out and
supports us every year along with the staff at the Mannawanis Native
Friendship Centre."

Prather, who has overcome his own addiction to alcohol, which started at a
young age, spoke to the gathering at the centre.

"I am 35 years old and it has taken that long to feel comfortable in my own
skin. Taking things one day at a time is true, even today."

Prather told his story of struggling with addiction, praising the support
of his wife, four daughters and the staff at the centre.

"Those who are struggling need a lot of support and help can be the hardest
thing to ask for."

For the past 15 years the friendship centre, as a joint venture with
Poundmaker's Treatment Centre, has been raising awareness of the week.

"This isn't an aboriginal thing or just other people thing; it is a people
thing. Addiction doesn't care who you are," said Linda Boudreau-Semaganis,
Path to Employment coordinator at Mannawanis, who has been sober herself
for the past 25 years.

Boudreau-Semaganis said the centre offers opportunities for youth to become
aware of addiction and to fight it.

A recent smoking cessation program informed them on quitting strategies
while working on the buddy program as a support system.

Programs informing the public on drugs and planned parenthood have been
successful, said Boudreau-Semaganis.

"We provide other resources to have fun by showing them to get involved in
school, get involved in sports and get involved in life," she said.
Executive director of Mannawanis, Theresa Whiskeyjack, also spoke of her
experiences to the gathering.

Whiskeyjack saw loved ones all her life struggling with addiction and even
as a parent with grown-up kids she made a choice to leave an alcoholic husband.

"I don't care how old you are; you have a choice. They are there for you to
make," said Whiskeyjack.