2011-2012 Annual Report - Sto:lo Nation

National Aboriginal Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW)The ASCIRT and A&D staff hosted three events to celebrateNAAW. The first walk for sobriety attracted forty participantsincluding Stó:lō youth drummers who formed their own team.There was definitely a competitive spirit present at theChilliwack Rotary Trail Walk with participants pushingthemselves to complete a total of 226 kms for the cause.The second walk saw twenty participants despite inclementweather and a tragedy in one of the Stó:lō communities. Theweather was bad during the 2nd walk at Mill Lake,Abbotsford, but the 25 participants still logged 90 kms. Theflowers released in memory of Stó:lō loved ones at this eventwas particularly moving and the drummers and singers did agreat job of lifting weary spirits.The midweek dinner attracted at least sixty-five attendeeswho witnessed an honoring ceremony to recognize thesobriety of fourteen individuals who were nominatedbeforehand by the registrants.The twenty-five surveys completed regardingASCIRT, allowed for pointed dialogue and theopportunity to conduct follow-up visits withvarious participants. The information gatheredshowed the level of understanding that thecommunity members have of “crisis,” inparticular, and those involving suicide or therisks involved. The discussion with therespondents allowed better assessment of theexpectations that the community membershave of an ASCIRT, specifically with regardsto training and other qualifications.Aboriginal Support and Crisis Intervention Response Team (ASCIRT)Since October 19, 2011, the ASCIRT Coordinatorhas been coordinating the tasks of the CrisisResponse Team for the First Nations Communitiesserviced by the Stó:lō Nation Health Services.Together with twelve volunteers, they make up theASCIRT.Although “crisis” can encompass a number ofincidents, including natural disasters, the ASCIRTis focused primarily on the types of tragedies thathave become all too common in AboriginalPage 42 of 64