Sagamok Anishnawbek show strength and unity as they walk for addiction awareness
By Leslie Knibbs
SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK FIRST NATION—On November 3, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation held their first annual walk and rally to recognize National Aboriginal Addiction Awareness Month (NAAAM).
The rally began at the New Community Hall with a Pipe Ceremony in the morning and made the walk to the Multi-Educational Centre in the afternoon. Following registration, Elder Harvey Trudeau told the story of the Eagle Staff.
“It is a symbol of Sagamok. It is the instrument of our strength and power and unity of our community.”
Elder Trudeau said every member of the community is represented in the Eagle Staff – there are 16 Feathers on the staff representing 16 family groupings.
“Each family unit is independent of each other, but when we take part in community events, we are all represented by this Eagle Staff so that we are all one.”
Fittingly, the theme of NAAAM this year is ‘The wellness of one is the wellness of all’.
Following registration, many community members listened to Chief Nelson Toulouse give opening remarks explaining how he brought the idea of a rally to Jennifer Lalonde, Addictions Counsellor or Sagamok. Chief Toulouse said he brought up the idea of a march and rally to Jennifer not only to create awareness, but to provide education to the community on addictions.
“We have to work collectively and deal with it,” he said when referring to the drug problem in Sagamok.
In an effort to confront the problem, Chief Toulouse and Council drew up a Community Declaration on illegal drugs showing the community’s commitment to address the issue of addictions as well as illegal drugs in Sagamok. Community members signed the declaration to put a stop to illegal drugs that threaten the community’s well-being. Within the Declaration’s wording, Sagamok stands together stating that “anyone who is currently in the business of trafficking these harmful products to our community shall cease and desist immediately or endure the consequences.”
Lalonde spoke to the importance of the declaration.
“I see people in different areas of their wellness journey. This declaration is really important for us to come together as a community to try to support people and help them to seek services and get help for themselves as well.”
By all accounts, just as it is an issue in other communities both on- and off-reserve, illegal drug use is not a new problem in Sagamok. Seven years ago, Chief and Council in Sagamok were aware of the problem and were making efforts to deal with illegal drugs in the community. On July 5, 2011, the Band Council enacted a zero-tolerance strategy on violence, alcohol and drug abuse. A prominent sign stating, “Stop wasting precious lives and human potential”, is seen by all who visit the Band Office, Multi-Educational Centre and the school.
Following the walk from the New Community Hall to the Multi-Educational Center, Chief Toulouse welcomed everyone.
“We need to make this an annual event,” Chief Toulouse said, referring to this year’s rally and walk. “It’s a good start.”