Wellness conference aims at strengthening community

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In an effort to build a stronger community, Onion Lake First Nation has developed a family wellness program. Tending to Our Home Fires is a two day workshop, to be held April 3 to 5 at Eagle View High School, which will provide people from the community and surrounding area a chance to heal.

"We are trying to target different parts of the family," said Vivian Whitstone, director of the Onion Lake Community Wellness program. "We're having something for everybody."

There will be a variety of workshops held throughout the event that deal with problems children, parents, grandparents and Elders are having in their day to day life, as well as issues from their past that still affect them.

In the past the wellness centre has held individual conferences for men and women, but found many of the dilemmas brought forth during those discussions involved the entire family and community.

Programs such as this one are part of the centre's program development for the Onion Lake community.

"One of the objectives is to have these activities so we can provide information on issues as well as how to deal with them," said Whitstone. "We hope from there people will continue seeking help for themselves."

The conference will feature presentations by people who specialize in various areas of human wellness, and can provide information on what resources are available for individuals within their area.

"There are a lot of people out there that are going through the same issues," said Whitstone. "They'll see that they're not alone and there is someone they can reach out to."

In addition to the many individuals who will lead discussions, Elders will be on hand to discuss their own feelings and thoughts and share their teachings.

"It's very important to us that we bring in the Elders and their teachings," said Whitstone. "I think at this time our people are really hungry for that kind of information from the cultural perspective."

By helping people deal with their current and past dilemmas, Whitstone said she believes the community will be able to grow together. Empowering individuals will develop new ways of thinking and a stronger bond between those who share in the sorrow and triumphs they face.

"Anytime we bring people together we raise the community spirit," Whitstone said. "We look forward to programs like this one to bring the community together."

Everyone is invited to attend the sessions whether a resident of Onion Lake First Nation or not. A $75 fee will be charged to those who attend the conference from outside the community to cover costs of facilitators, food and supplies.

For more information or to register, contact Vivian Whitstone at the Onion Lake Community Healing and Wellness Centre at 344-5033.