Pubdate: Fri, 07 May 1999
Source: Eastern Door, The (CN QU)
Copyright: 1999 The Eastern Door
Contact:  http://www.easterndoor.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2464
Author: Susan Jacobs

ANOTHER VIGIL AGAINST DRUGS

On Saturday, May 1, another protest to rid this community of drugs and drug 
dealers was organized by Selma Delisle, Molly Sky and Wilma Lahache. They 
protested on Old Malone Highway, with community members honking their horns 
as they passed in a show of support. Following, that evening, was a fire 
vigil for our community, with a huge increase in supporters.

It was approximately 10:00 p.m. when I arrived. Cars were parked on the 
street and at Kanienkeha Plaza. A warm fire, hot coffee and chili and 
friendly and welcoming people greeted everyone as they showed up. I spoke 
to some of the supporters of drug intolerance to find out their feelings on 
the fire vigils.

One young mother of an eight-month-old daughter was there because she knew 
Molly. She said "I feel really good about what Molly is doing, and I want 
to show her some support." She was a member of the MAD group, where life 
skills on "how to say no" and drug awareness is taught.

Another well-known member of our community, Eddie Stacey was there on his 
own time. Stacey said, "I need to show my support, because I have my own 
children and need to think of their future."

I also wanted to find out if the message of the fire vigil was coming 
across to the community.

On the following Tuesday, on our way to the orthodontist, I asked the taxi 
driver Ralph Rice and passenger Lenore Angus what they thought of the fire 
vigil for our community. Well, it certainly started a debate which lasted 
the duration of our trip. In the end, both agreed that it was a positive 
step toward ongoing awareness with Angus stating, "Awareness and education 
are the key."

Later that night at a community meeting, I spoke to Joel Peterson, a 
16-year-old youth. Peterson said that, "Because the fire vigil is visual, 
it's very effective and shows that community members care."

He also feels we need severe events to bring about more awareness, 
especially for our youth, because although the subject of drug awareness is 
only occasionally brought up in MRE or a student can talk to a councilor, 
it is generally not taught in schools.

Lahache, Sky and Delisle have brought awareness to people of all 
backgrounds with everyone agreeing on the same issue. They have also 
brought a positive change in attitude for this community.