Pubdate: Wed, 25 Oct 2006
Source: Merritt Herald (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Merritt Herald
Contact:  http://www.merrittherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1446
Author: Arthur Crowson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON ADDICTION

When a community tackles its issues with addictions everybody
wins.

That's exactly what will happen at the upcoming Gathering Of Our
Voices Addictions Conference.

Conayt Alcohol and Drug Counsellor Richard Jackson explained what it
means to have a conference like this held in Merritt.

"We're going to take a look at things that contribute to a community
becoming at risk," he said.

The three-day conference will focus on issues like crystal meth, HIV,
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and many others. There will be three
keynote speakers including Shane Pointe of Indian Residential School
Survivors Society who will be speaking about addictions and Cst. Dean
Gladue of the RCMP Kamloops Drug Division who will be speaking about
crystal meth. Finally Lee Mason of the Young Warriors Network will
speak about the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.

"We will also be holding many youth and adult workshops regarding
addiction," Jackson said.

This is considered a follow up to the conference that was held in
2005. Jackson mentioned the event was a huge success with more than
250 registered participants.

"A special bond is achieved between youths, adults and elders through
respect," he said. "It's about bridging the gap between those
generations."

This year Conayt has been working closely with the Merritt RCMP to
develop the conference. Liaison Cst. Rose Grant expressed her approval
of the event.

"It's about bringing awareness to the community and letting them know
what is going on," she said.

Jackson added that's it's an excellent environment to explore the
solutions for at-risk youth and their families.

There will also be time dedicated to traditional healing, gambling
addiction and testimonials from various former addicts.

Wednesday will finish with a highlight feast and entertainment by Red
Roots Theatre, Melody Johnson, Arnold Akachuk and Willard Wallace.

The conference will run from Nov. 14-16 starting at 9 a.m. every day.
You can register for the event at Conayt Friendship Society office.
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MAP posted-by: Derek