ADDICTIONS PROGRAM LOSES FUNDS, COUNSELLORS

Niwichihaw Aboriginal Addictions and Healing Services lost three of its
four counsellors after provincial funding failed to come through to save
the jobs.

Counselling sessions will drop from 250 per month to 50.

"We're very disappointed. We're not out of the game, but we're down," said
interim executive director Tracey Schram.

Niwichihaw applied for additional funding from Alberta Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Commission (AADAC) because $200,000 in federal funding came to an end
in February.

AADAC has been providing $64,000 and that funding will continue.

The money will pay the rent and salaries of the remaining staff - an
executive director (who is also the remaining counsellor) and a part-time
bookkeeper.

Niwichihaw has provided counselling to address multi-generational problems
created by cultural and physical abuse that aboriginal and Metis students
experienced in the residential school system.

It specifically helps its clients to reconnect to their culture, which is
not available elsewhere in Red Deer, Schram said.

Niwichihaw has also run sharing circles at the Red Deer Remand Centre,
Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter and Red Deer College.

"We're providing services all over the place. It's not like we have to
demonstrate the need," Schram said.

AADAC funding was sought because addiction is a major problem.

Niwichihaw is moving out of its current location with five offices at 205
4814 50th St. and into one office at room 201 in the same building.

Schram said alternate funding is under investigation.

Niwichihaw is also looking to partner with other community organizations
and is searching for volunteers and board members to help continue its services.