Social service workers take a break

Page 7

The second annual Caring for the Caregivers conference in Williams Lake was held on Feb. 17 to 19 at the Nenqayni Treatment Centre.

This year's conference was hosted by the centre and by Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society's Eagle HEART program. Thirty-six front-line workers were present as Cpl. Mike Legault from the RCMP North District Drug Awareness Service gave an opening presentation entitled Substance Abuse Symptomology.

Workshops included topics as diverse as difficulty of the front line worker; residential school; indicators of stress; and traditional medicines. Other activities included traditional ceremonies, smudges, Elders' storytelling and the on-site services of a professional masseuse. The conference was organized to give local caregivers an opportunity to meet with their peers and to receive support from others who understand the stress they experience daily.

Bruce Mack, executive director of the Nenqanyi Treatment Centre, said, "Until recently, we (different front-line groups) didn't have a lot of interaction with each other. Often we don't have anyone to talk to about our work because we don't want to breach confidentiality. This gives us an opportunity to discuss things with people from other communities who may be dealing with the same thing."

Charlotte (Chuck) Jensen, a Kamloops Indian Band member and manager of Eagle HEART, recognized the need for a retreat. "After 23 years as a front-line worker I know if we don't take care of ourselves we are going to burn out." In an effort to help establish a local support system for caregivers she approaches managers and encourages them to sponsor their staff for the conference.

An important feature of the conference is the talking circle, Jensen said. "It gives caregivers a chance to tell their own stories. Although we know each other on a professional level, we often don't know each other's journey." She pointed out that many of the caregivers are in recovery themselves and this has led them to desire to help others.

The conference also is an ideal place to introduce new caregivers to the local network, to share new ideas, and to address common issues. "We realize we can be more effective by working together," Mack said. "By pooling our resources we can all do what we do best. We're not in competition; rather, we are all working for the same goal and the same people."

It is also an excellent place to promote multicultural sensitivity, Jensen said. "Not all the caregivers are Aboriginal, but they all work with Aboriginal people. The traditional aspect helps them understand our culture better."

She noted that although caregivers witness and hear so much tragedy and problems, there is another side to Aboriginal people's lives. "We want people to see the positive side of the Aboriginal culture and to have a good time."

Mack feels it is important for people to know they are not alone in the field. "All the sessions were encouraging," he said. "Seeing the energy and commitment of others really does build you up."

Jensen said the number 1 reason to hold the conference was so front-line workers could have a "time out." Also so they could share ideas with colleagues.

She explained, "It's hard work and that's why we are tired. We don't want to be dealing with problems here. We want to be dealing with ourselves. Restoring hope and vision."