From Deanna Boyd, Lhtako Health Director
On May 12, the Lhtako Dene, Lhoosk'uz Dene, Nazko, Ulkatcho and ?Esdilagh First Nations came together with others from the Quesnel area to have an All Nations Sobriety Celebration. The event was very important to our people to come together as one to celebrate sobriety. Bringing together all nations to tell their stories was very powerful to all who attended.
We celebrated with motivational speakers from all Nations; handed out sobriety certificates with stories of participants' sobriety paths; and hosted drumming from Nazko First Nation and a "Kidz Corner." We also had local youth to help with Elders. The most powerful event of the night was a memorial slide show of all of our Elders who have passed, during which families lit candles in their memory. We also had a huge feast with a big sobriety cake and a dance to follow.
Lhtako Dene Nation also hosted Lhtako Wellness Day, which proved to be a rewarding event for all of our community members and neighbouring partners.
People came from all Nations to participate in various events throughout the day. It was very exciting to see everyone come together and bond as one to build healthy relationships – something that is very important in our community.
We started the day off with prayers and smudging. We had many Elders set up tables for sharing their teachings (artwork, beadwork, crafts, cultural games, storytelling, survival skills, sports).We also invited local nurses to come check blood and glucose levels and talk about nutrition and healthy alternatives. Plus, an H.I.V educator come do a workshop on H.I.V. We had local agencies also set up tables to share info, including the Woman's Resource Centre, Quesnel Tillicum Society and North Cariboo Aboriginal Family program Society.
Many games were played throughout the day to keep everyone active and moving and we had a colouring contest using the medicine wheel. Local Community Policing came to help youth in some youth activities and games.
Overall, the two events brought communities, families, youth and Elders together to celebrate the wellness and cultures of the Interior Nations.
