Nisga’a Addictions Awareness Campaign  November Nov 17 – 23/13

The harmful use of alcohol and other substances touches the lives of many Nisga’a community members, with often devastating consequences. Nisga’a Addictions Awareness Campaign (November 17 – 23, 2013) is a time to raise awareness and to showcase the work being done within the Nisga’a territories to battle problematic substance use.

In the spirit of our Nisga’a Feasting System – we are hosting the Inter-Nation Tribal Picnic – in which we bring together Nisga’a citizens from our four communities (One Heart, One Path, One Nation) to provide a platform to unite and share experiences which demonstrate how as community members we are “Arriving Alive/Staying Alive”.  (The theme for this years event). 

Those who would benefit are elders, adults, youth, children and infants who would potentially be impacted by the possible deaths of those affected by citizens who choose to drink and drive – whether it be alcohol, drug or other mind altering substances. 

Challenges:  Promoting the idea that should you choose to drink and drive you not only endanger your own life, but the lives of others who may come in your path.  Finding alternative activities that are safe and family-friendly. 

Our goal is to increase awareness of potential dangers of alcohol & drug misuse/abuse; develop and strengthen the sense of belonging to individuals, families and communities; highlight or demonstrate how some young people are creative in filling their leisure time. 

The Inter-Nation Tribal picnic will be held in Gitlaxt’aamiks Gitmadeek Hall on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, doors open at 4 pm, tribal picnic will begin at 5:00 pm, with presentations to follow. 

The Hip Hop/Rap Contest is being arranged by Lydia Stephens, CWC Laxgaltsap (1-800-991-5667) and the NVHA Youth Enrichment Workers (Agnes Doolan, Sharlene Wilson, Claudette Azak and Tabitha Munroe).  Prizes for the Hip Hop/Rap Contest will be a Macbook Pro 15”: 2.3 GHz; a Blue Microphone Yeti Pro USB and 2 iPad mini 64 GB. 

(Once the flyers for both events have been finalized, they will be circulated thoughout the valley)