August 2011 - Absentee Shawnee Tribe Of Oklahoma

Following in Our
Footsteps
The “Following in Our Footsteps Program” (Meth/Suicide Prevention
Initiative Grant) held their summer Retreat on June 7th, 8th,
& 9th 2011 at the Arrowhead Resort in Tahlequah, OK. Thunderbird
Lodge was the lodging site for 28 children and 13 adult
volunteers. The children ranged from 8 yrs - 17 yrs old. Everyone
had the opportunity to swim and float the Illinois River by rafts.
The adult volunteers consisted of parents, grandparents, and
extended family members in an effort to promote the family unity.
Several volunteers were employees that included health professionals
to provide medical care or treatment; also the cultural
perspective was introduced in several settings from beadwork,
storytelling, and nature.
The meth/suicide prevention initiative was provided in an educational
setting with the 12 yrs and up receiving the more in depth
education and awareness of meth and suicide.
Behavioral Health conducted depression screenings during the
educational process.
A big “thank you” to all volunteers: Manual Johnson, Sharon
Ponkilla, Henryetta Ellis, Leroy Ellis, Chris Swanson, Ryan Hill,
YVette Hill, Darren Shields, Angela Green, Sylvia Swanson, Alecia
Onzahwah-Atwara, and Allie Vargas. Special thanks to Kurt
Williams, for the use of the Thunderbird Casino Bus; and to the
other individuals that were drivers in the transportation task. We
will be planning another retreat next year at the same time.
24 AUGUST 2011
The MSPI Director attended the Cultural Competency training
on June 21st and 22nd in Oklahoma City. The Action Summit for
Suicide Prevention and the 2nd Annual Methamphetamine and
Suicide Prevention Initiative Conference will be held in Scottsdale,
AZ on August 1st - 4th, 2011. The Absentee Shawnee
Tribe MSPI program was requested to help coordinate a National
Suicide Awareness Walk at this national conference. Our “Walking
for Life” MSPI walk was held at the Shawnee Mall last year.
The time and place for thsi year’s walk is TBA which could be in
September or October.
Several MSPI “Following in Our Footsteps Program) activities are
currently ongoing such as the music program with Phil Bradley
and an incentive program at the YMCA. The horseback riding and
special events at the ranch will return this Fall season such as
hayrides, Halloween, and Xmas themes and other special events.
All activities provided are to give children an opportunity to learn
new alternatives for entertainment and recreation with their family.
It also provides a time when we can educate the family about
meth and suicide.
For more information please contact Jenifer Sloan, MSPI Director
@ 878-4716.