October 2011 - Absentee Shawnee Tribe Of Oklahoma

“Walking for Life”- Walk-A-Thon
The 2 nd annual “Walking for Life” walk-a-thon was held at the Shawnee Mall on Saturday,
September 10, 2011. It was a success! There were a total of 71 participants as we started the walk at
the food court. Each participant received a t-shirt, a bracelet and a bottle of water. After each
participant walked, they also received a nutritious snack.
Our very own Phil Bradley performed as did Bree Bishop and Kenny Milam from Nashville of
PMB Recording studio. Miss Indian Oklahoma 2011 Devon Frasier performed a beautiful rendition of
the Lord’s Prayer and The Star Spangle Banner in sign language.
The purpose for the walk is to bring awareness of and promote prevention of drug use and
suicide. Nationally, Oklahoma ranks #10 in suicides, including attempts and has the potential of
increasing if we do not address the crisis. One of our goals is to bring hope to those that have
contemplated or attempted suicide. Another goal is to reduce the prevalence of Methamphetamines in
our service area. Methamphetamine use is a growing problem among youth and adults. Like many
street drugs, it endangers the life and health of the user. The “Walking for Life” walk-a-thon was a
great way to not only show the awareness of the growing problems of drugs and suicide and its effects
in the community, but also how they can be prevented.
The MSPI (Meth & Suicide Prevention Initiative) program has held a number of events and
activities that brings the awareness of and promotes the prevention of meth use and suicide. We plan to
continue to do so in the coming months. On a daily basis the MSPI Program utilizes music to promote
wellness. Mr. Phil Bradley is the lead music instructor of the Creative Arts Department. He can be
found on the Absentee Shawnee Tribal campus just west of the main building. There he teaches guitar,
bass and drum lessons. Any tribally affiliated person is welcome to join in learning how to play an
instrument and read music. Being able to play an instrument can instill a sense of confidence and thus
gives each developing musician the confidence to reach and attain other goals.
The MSPI program is and has been a helpful resource to the many tribes in the Shawnee area.
Through events, activities and the Creative Arts department, MSPI promotes wellness in the area of
mental health and gives each person a healthy option as an alternative to drug use and suicide. If you
know of any children or adults that might benefit from the free music lessons that MSPI offers, please
contact us and we’ll be glad to set up a schedule for music classes. Mr. Phil Bradley can be reached at
(405)275-4030, ext. 117 or (405)370-5576. Any other questions regarding the MSPI Program or
affiliated activities, please contact Ms. Jenifer Sloan at (405) 878-4702.
21 October 2011