Mental Health and Addictions programs serving FNs on Manitoulin gathered
AUNDECK OMNI KANING—National Addictions Awareness Week 2023’s theme was ‘Inspiration, Innovation and Inclusion.’
Aundeck Omni Kaning Chief Patsy Corbiere opened the conference by welcoming presenters and conference goers alike on Thursday, November 23. The keynote was delivered by Bobby Hudon, an Indigiqueer activist born and raised in Manitoba whose lived experience in the 2SLGTBQIA+ community, along with experience in social work, informs their work around creating and nurturing safe spaces and harm reduction and destigmatizing addictions.
Activities included Zumba led by Kellie Robinson, crafts with Shawna Jacko, archery with Given Cortes, and a game with staff from Reseau Access Education.
On Friday, November 24, a panel of local speakers discussed their unique experiences in recovery and what worked for them, emphasizing that there is no ‘one size fits’ all approach to overcoming addictions.
Tim Ominika, a mental health and addictions system specialist, and Katie Pine, an opiate strategic planning specialist who works for Anishnawbek Health at the Union of Ontario Indians, did a presentation on best practices. The team was hired in October of 2022 to tackle mental health, addictions and the opioid crisis among First Nations people. In May 2022, the leadership endorsed the Anishinabek Nation Long-Term Healing Strategy, charting a course for the Anishinabek Nation to develop and execute a comprehensive health plan rooted in Anishinabek values. This strategy hinges on community engagement and guidance while striving to secure funding from the provincial government. Its objectives encompass raising awareness about overdoses and advocating for protective legislation that supports those seeking aid. Additionally, it involves spearheading the formation of a Long-Term Advisory Group and delivering regular progress reports and updates to the Anishinabek Special Chiefs Assembly regarding ongoing initiatives.
Before closing the event, Sylvie Recollect delivered a presentation on the 8 Point Star Teaching about self-care and self-responsibility. “I am responsible for my sacred fire—it’s not my husband, it’s not my children, it’s not my parents,” Ms. Recollet told attendees. “I am (responsible). It’s my duty, my responsibility, to take care of my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It’s up to me to look at the 8 Point Star, the 7 Grandfather Teachings; the eighth point is Aadziwin, that is, to live your life, be in the present…I must remind myself what to do to take care of self.”
Rob Wabegijig, who had a hand in organizing the conference, spoke with The Expositor, giving credit to organizations like Gwekwaadziwin Miikan for their innovation. Gwekwaadziwin Miikan integrates ancestral traditions with leading therapeutic methods and outdoor experiential learning, providing a holistic range of support for individuals navigating their journey toward healing and recovery. The mental health and addictions program is also developing a new initiative to include loved ones and family members in the person with addictions healing journey.
Information booths were set up at Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre, with information on traditional community-based programming hosted on Wednesday nights; Mnaamodzawin Health Services will be hosting a winter memorial event called “A Night of Bright Stars” on Wednesday, December 13 to honour their grief and loved one that has passed.
Réseau Access Network and Manitoulin Drug Strategy provided educational materials about harm reduction materials and spoke about the danger of poisoned drug supplies.
