Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

Community Wellness Gathering - "A Return to Tradition" - P7

RED LAKE, MN - On Wednesday, January 9. 2019, an Opening Ceremony was held for the Community Wellness Gathering at about 9 AM at the Red Lake Nation College by Jason Hart and Kelly Iceman, Cultural Coordinators, along with a welcome and opening remarks by Executive Director of Red Lake Chemical Health Programs, Tom Barrett, followed by Jerry Loud, Executive Director of the Oshkiimaajitadah Program.

The objective of this three-day gathering was to provide a catalyst for change in the community for people seeking solutions and opportunities that improve the quality of life for themselves and others. Using the Medicine Wheel as a guide, this gathering would focus on "what is working" when fostering success in people overcoming poverty, addictions, health issues, traumas, and grief. The question of this gathering was, how can we help to guide our people to the networks and resources that will improve their quality of life? This gathering would focus on the successes of our people, identify what resources are available, strengthen existing networks, and build new ones. In the words of the late elder and substance abuse treatment pioneer Cecil White Hat, "Everything we need to heal is in the culture."

Other scheduled speakers included Frank Goodwin (Mino Mikana), Chance Rush, Dan Dickerson, Dennis Jones, Thomas X Barrett and Kailee Fretland.

Breakout Sessions were scheduled throughout the day and included Traditional health: herbs, plants, foods - Tashia Hart, Reyna Lussier CPS I, CADC I, & Erin Kelly CADC I; Women in fitness – Lenetta Jourdain, Laurel Lussier, & Liz Strong; Education and Training - Eugene Standing Cloud; Pow wow Zumba - Athena Cloud; Medicine wheel teachings – Renee Gurneau; Recovering from Grief & Loss Talking Circles - Frank Goodwin; Be Well Mother & Baby Program – Shelley English CADC I, Janet Drouillard, Karen Barrett, CADC III; Medication Assisted Recovery Services - Beemus Goodsky LADC, BA & Mamie Bender, RN, BSN; and Mewinzha Ondaadiziikw Wiigaming "Long ago Women Birthing in Birthing Lodge" - Natalie Nicholson APRN, CNP, CLP.

From 7 PM to 9 PM Storytelling and Music by Donnie Applebee would take place.

The Day 2 schedule is titled "Rock Your Ribbons Day and will have opening ceremonies and speakers, Fly with Eagles RLNC President - Dan King, MBA, and Minobimaadiziiwin "Good Life Teachings"- Frank Goodwin, followed by Digital storytelling NDigidreams – Kailee Fretland & Connie Berg, along with Danaeye Neadeau, Latrell Jones, Kelly Iceman, Floyd "Buck" Jourdain, Noe Vasques, Kailee Fretland, Logan Neadeau, & Tayana Redbear.

Breakout Workshops and sessions would follow throughout the day, and from 7 PM - 9 PM a Comedy Showcase by Jon Roberts and Adrianne Chalepah.

Scheduled for Day 3 was a Hand Drum Exhibition, Drum Assisted Therapy with Daniel Dickerson, DO, MPH, Dennis Jones with Return to Tradition, and closing with the presentation of certificates and closing Round Dance, as well as a feast and drawings.

 

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