"Charlie" tackles alcohol/drug problems

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Alcohol, drugs, lack of unity and too much fighting are just some of the problems that Doris Courtoreille of Swan River feels exist on her reserve. A participant in the Project Charlie program a a conference held in Edmonton, September 29 to October 2, Courtoreille learned of ways to deal with problems that stem from alcohol and drug abuse.

The program is designed for elementary school children and tries to reach them before they become users of alcohol and drugs. The foundation of the programs on building self-esteem, teaching social competencies and discouraging the use of drugs as a means of keeping out of trouble. To date there have been several successful programs in Alberta.

Courtoreille has been aware of the program since 1982 and has always wanted to partake in it. As many others also feel the program would be of interest to them, this program has been requested many times. Courtoreille is a health liaison worker out of Slave Lake and works with the 14 surrounding reserves. Also in attendance were community healthy representatives (CHRs), teachers, counsellors and nurses from as far as Fort Chipewyan.

Feeling good about yourself and at the same time not sacrificing anyone else's well-being is a major component which is emphasized in the program. Children are taught to respect themselves and others, and to make healthy decisions. Parents of the children are encouraged to become involved and continue discussions at home. The classes focus on communication, emphasizing the importance of listening. The Project Charlie curriculum was created to address six factors which are influences of drugs and alcohol abuse: low self-esteem, peer pressure, lack of health relationships, poor decision-making skills, boredom and curiosity and lack of drug information.

With the skills acquired from the program, the trainees will return home to begin implementation of the program into their schools and daycares. The program has been implemented into many different areas, including prisons. Anywhere you find low self-esteem and boredom the program has proven to be successful.

The four days of intensified training experience included lectures and group experiences covering lessons, activities and strategies in the Project Charlie curriculum guide; information on chemical dependency; classroom management; implementation, and evacuation. Conducting the sessions were Chick Strawbridge and Lynnell Thiel, both of Edina, Minnesota, where the program originated 10 years ago. They felt the people in attendance were very co-operative and have the desire to return home eager to begin work with the children. "They have made us feel really welcome and we have learned about Canada, the Native culture, and other things," said Thiel.

Another participant Cherrilene Steinhauer from Saddle Lake, works out of the Saddle Lake Health Centre as a CHR. "Project Charlie has had a tremendous impact on me already," said Steinhauer. "It was as if I was asleep before Project Charlie; it seems to have awakened me." As a result of the conference, Cherrilene hopes to begin Al-Anon and Ala-Teen programs on her reserve. "Project Charlie has made a very good impression on me, and I'm leaving here very satisfied."

Doris Courtoreille knows of the problems that exist on her reserve and feels that it is time once more to start working together and to stop fighting with one another. "We don't want our children to grow up in a bad manner. If we would just look back to our forefathers, in those days there was no jealousy. They shared, loved and worked with one another - let them be our examples," said Courtoreille. She feels very good about having participated in the Project Charlie course.

This project and another held in August, cost the Health and Welfare department $25,000. The August workshop, "Say It Straight," was held at the Poundmaker/Nechi Centre and was directed to teens. This workshop was also conducted by an American firm.