Journey begins with one first step

On Treaty Day, July 14, more than 100 members of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation proudly walked together and publicly stated their commitment to a safe and caring community, one that is free from substance and alcohol abuse. An Elder carried the band flag, accompanied by an RCMP officer dressed in traditional red serge. The group gathered on the steps of the band office to hear members of the newly formed Community Action Group (CAG) share their vision and state their goals. Inter-denominational prayers were offered for community members who have died due to substance abuse. Through song and dance, the group celebrated their determination to move away from all that causes dissension and disunity.

Early in 2006, a needs assessment showed that alcohol and substance abuse and trelated violence was a serious problem on the reserve. It suggested that a community action group could work there. Margaret Kappo was hired to facilitate the group, which first met in June. Its mandate is to help empower individuals to take action to heal themselves.

Mutual support is one of their key strengths. Elder and CAG member Florestine Chowace said the group helps her to know that she is not alone with her problems and issues.

"It is a great place where we receive and give support," she said. The RCMP works with the group and attends their regular meetings.

A metaphysician who draws on Cree traditions, Kappo assists with the spiritual healing of the enormous communal grief found there.

"We need to remember who we are. We are tribal people," she said.

Inspired by the words of Chinese philosopher, Confucius, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," the walk was the first public step of the newly formed group.

In late August, more than 20 adults attended the five-day Steps to Wellness Camp on land owned by Chowace. Not a user herself, Chowace was there to support those who were stepping into wellness as well as to learn more about substance abuse to help her loved ones and community members who are users. "The wellness camp was a great thing for our people. The participants found togetherness and support with one another. The camp was relaxing, and time away from the daily rat race gave us time to reflect on our lives. It also gave us a reminder of who we are as Cree people, and the power of nature as a healer. Having our own people as facilitators also made it easier for us to build trust. Our people understand us best. They live here and know the depths of our problems and our pain. We need our own people to heal our own people," said Chowace.

Georgina Goodswimmer, a CAG member who served on the sub-committee of the Steps to Wellness Camp, said that she is very proud of her band members that registered themselves to the wellness camp to better their lives from alcohol and drugs.

"I plan to continue to give support to my community and the action group," she said.

Each day at the camp there were 20 people in the circle and many didn't want to leave on the final day. It was a chance to re-think their lives, to share personal stories and pain in an environment of communal support, love and unity, trust building, respect. People felt safe to be themselves. Campers sang and danced, told stories and some even made visual art about their experience.

Elders and some family members visited the camp each evening to offer their silent support and solid presence. Some participants struggled to stay the five days, felt they had to leave, but stayed anyway.

"How do you define success?" asked Kappo. One person's three-day stay was recognized as an achievement. The chief and band council attended opening and closing ceremonies at the camp and provided everything that was needed to pull it off, said Kappo.

The group and growing numbers of the community feel empowered to heal themselves. Informal leaders are identified; they find the common ground.

"We can celebrate the heroes and role models in our community," said Kappo, who explained that the group also has plans to bring in special guests, modern day Native people who believe in community wellness. A day camp for visioning and goal setting was set for Sept. 13.

Many band members who are not actively involved in the project offer encouragement. Some say that this is one of the best things that has happened in their community, that it is a great start to healing generations of problems, one step at a time.