SHEDDING LIGHT ON ADDICTIONS WEEK

The problem isn't only in Hobbema, but Hobbema Indian Health Services is
shedding light on a growing societal concern. Health services and the
Family Wellness Centre are bringing the problem of addictions to the
forefront during National Addictions Week, Nov. 17 to 22.

Residents, members of the wellness centre and staff from the Wetaskiwin
AADAC office, will be promoting awareness of addictions through a Sobriety
Walk, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. The walk will kick off an entire week of events
to promote addiction awareness week.

"AADAC joined us on our walk last year and are joining us again this year
to show this isn't just a Hobbema problem, but a big problem all over,"
said wellness centre aftercare facilitator Veronica Piche.

"We need to work together on this problem, which is why we are walking
together. We will also join AADAC's walk in Wetaskiwin on Nov. 19."

The Family Wellness Centre will also recognize National Addictions
Awareness Week with presentations on addictions, suicide and mental health,
Nov. 18; a brain injury presentation, Nov. 19; a mini symposium and a self
care session, Nov. 20 and, to finish off the week, a feast, Nov. 21 and a
round dance at the Louis Bull Recreation Centre, Nov. 22.

Piche invites the public to participate in all the events.

"(Addictions are) a social problem with indigenous people all over the
world," said Piche.

"(Problems like) alcohol and drugs doesn't affect only the person, it
becomes a family, community and national problem."

But, Piche said, before actually dealing with the problem, information must
be provided so people know about it.

"The stigma (of addictions) isn't there like it was only 20 years ago,"
said Piche. "That's because of the information that is being circulated. We
want to keep this going."