Pubdate: Thu, 16 Oct 2014
Source: Thompson Citizen (CN MB)
Copyright: 2014 Glacier Community Media
Contact:  http://www.thompsoncitizen.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5500
Author: Tyler Craig
Note: Tyler Craig is the Safer Choices Northern Network project 
co-ordinator and a member of the Manitoba Harm Reduction Conference 
organizing committee.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

MANITOBA EMBRACES HARM REDUCTION PRINCIPLES IN POLICIES

There is a growing recognition that harm reduction policies are more 
effective than abstinence-based policies as Manitoba organizations 
embrace harm reduction principles. During the Manitoba Harm Reduction 
Conference, held in Thompson Sept. 29- Oct. 1, representatives from 
various community organizations, First Nations communities, the five 
regional health authorities, and government departments addressed how 
their organizations are evolving to incorporate harm reduction. 
Provincial representation covered as far south as Steinbach and as 
far north as Churchill. Dr. Michael Ellery, clinical specialist of 
the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba shared how client-centred care, 
an integral component of the harm reduction model has been proven to 
be more effective at treating addictions. All five regional health 
authorities, including the Northern Health Region, are at various 
stages of recognizing harm reduction as part of its patient care model.

The Safer Choices Northern Network (SCNN) based in Thompson was the 
host organization for the Manitoba Harm Reduction Conference. The 
conference organizing committee selected Thompson as it allowed 
participants, many of whom had travelled from southern Manitoba to 
better understand northern realities. The conference was hosted in 
partnership with the Play it Safer Network based in Flin Flon and The 
Pas, The 595 Prevention Team, and Ka Ni Kanichihk based in Winnipeg. 
SCNN provided an update of its activities during the past year and 
its priorities over the next year which includes a sustained public 
presence to increase awareness of harm reduction principles.

The conference keynote speakers, Mary Azure-Laubmann and Ed Azure 
addressed the topics of colonialism and the intergenerational effects 
of the residential schools that affect many aboriginal people. The 
solution, according to them, must include addressing risky behaviours 
through cultural-based teachings. Feedback from participants was 
overwhelmingly positive as many indicated that they had no previous 
understanding of the effects of colonization among aboriginal people.

The Manitoba Harm Reduction Conference was held at the Thompson 
Regional Community Centre with approximately 170 participants. 
Opening with a welcome feast at the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre, 
MP Niki Ashton and Mayor Tim Johnston welcomed participants and 
affirmed their respective support for harm reduction. The welcome 
feast provided a blend of local entertainment including the Thompson 
Community Band, the Aurora and Diamond Dance Academy, as well as 
Charlene Dysart and her daughter who provided a demonstration, along 
with the teachings of the Fancy Shawl and the Jingle Dress dance. The 
Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre prepared a northern meal of stew and 
bannock for participants to enjoy.

During the two days of the conference, participants were exposed to 
various people and businesses in Thompson. Local and provincial 
organizations set up booths on both days, with the booths set up in 
the lobby of the TRCC in order for it to be available to the public. 
Riverview Restaurant provided one lunch while Ma-Mow-We-Tak 
Friendship Centre provided another hot lunch. Catering was provided 
by a local caterer, Vanessa Kehler. As many participants were 
visiting Thompson for the first time, an evening tourism activity at 
the Thompson Lodge and Ecotourism Centre, dinner at Riverview 
Restaurant and a Spirit Way tour hosted by Volker Beckmann was held. 
Participants expressed how they enjoyed their time in Thompson and 
that they would attend a conference here in the future.

Next year the Manitoba Harm Reduction Conference will be held in the 
north again, the location is still to be determined. In the meantime, 
the Safer Choices Northern Network will be working with local 
organizations to ensure there is a strong understanding of harm 
reduction principles and that there is a northern response to the 
social determinants of health. It is expected that the Manitoba Harm 
Reduction Conference will be held throughout the north and that 
Thompson can expect to be the host community again in the next few years.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom