Flying Dust First Nation has scheduled a slate of activities open to the community for National Addictions Awareness Week. (Elliott Knopp/meadowlakeNOW staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Addictions Awareness Week

Flying Dust First Nation hosting National Addictions Awareness programming

Nov 22, 2021 | 5:12 PM

The community of Flying Dust First Nation is hosting its annual National Addictions Awareness Week event.

Throughout the week, residents of Flying Dust and Meadow Lake will have the opportunity to engage in cultural activities designed to raise awareness around addictions and the resources available in the community.

In an interview with meadowlakeNOW, organizer Cheryl Bear explained the event is often well-received by the community.

“We always have a really good turnout,” she said.

“The topics that are covered are everything that has to deal with addiction, mental health or the struggles that you go through when you’re going through addiction and then coming out of it.”

Missing Girl

Have you seen Savannah?

10h ago

Missing person

Spiritwood RCMP searching for missing woman

12h ago

Riding boundaries changing

MP Gary Vidal announces he won't seek re-election

Apr 23, 2024

The slate of activities is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. each day at the Flying Dust Gymnasium. Each day features a panel of guest speakers who will share their stories and presentations with those in attendance.

Days will also feature a theme which is set to change daily. Those who participate in the theme will be entered for door prizes also set to vary each day.

On Monday, the week kicks off with guest speakers who will discuss overcoming addictions and a performance from Cody Montour.

The theme is “Wear your Flying Dust logo” where people in attendance will be entered for a chance to win if they are donning a FDFN logo somewhere on their person.

Tuesday, which is Cultural Clothing Day, kicks off early with a pancake breakfast scheduled for 9 a.m., a pipe ceremony at 10:30 a.m. and a National Addictions Awareness Week walk ahead of the evening slate of speakers.

Wednesday and Thursday activities involve guest speakers at the local school to educate the youth with the evening speaker discussing grief, loss and healing. Evenings will include live entertainment and several other entertainment-based activities.

Bear explained the programming is inclusive to other addictions outside of substance abuse.

“It’s not only about drugs and alcohol, it’s about being addicted to gambling and other [vices],” she said.

“We’re going to have people from MLTC and our mental health therapists here. There’s going to be resources set up inside along the walls of the gym and they’ll have pamphlets, cards and everything.”

Those who aren’t available or don’t want to attend in person will be able to follow along online through Flying Dust First Nation social media channels.

Resources in the community will be made available throughout the event and online.

—

elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp