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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (May 15, 1999)
Smoke Signals 4 A decade of say Snug "Naonifeclh)" to drags Nanitch Sahallie pow-wow marks 10 years of tribal efforts to help Indian teens say no to drug and alcohol abuse. By Oscar Johnson The Grand Ronde Tribe's youth chemical depen dency treatment center last month honored alumni, staff and volunteers during a commemo rative pow-wow at Chemawa Indian School in Sa lem, Oregon. Nanitch Sahallie has highlighted Native cul ture while helping teens overcome drug and alco hol abuse for 10 years. Over the last decade the residential facility has offered one-on-one counseling, peer support groups, interim school courses and treatment that also addresses the cultural needs of Indian youths from tribes around the country and Canada. Nanitch staff such as Allen Nelson, cultural spe cialist; Robert Schmid, counselor; Jeanne Larsen secretary and intake assistant; as well as long time volunteers including Elders Dorothy Lawe, and Bill and Virginia White Eagle Wilson spent six months organizing the pow-wow, Larsen said. "It's a away to bring some of the kids back and let them know if they need to talk to someone we're still here and they can call. Many of them do still call us," explained Larsen. "They like to know we will go the extra mile to show them support." Roughly a dozen Nanitch alumni were able to attend the celebration which also took time to honor those who achieved durations of sobriety ranging from one day to 30 years. Larsen said efforts were made to bring in more Nanitch graduates but since many live in far away areas it was not possible to provide trans portation. Nanitch is one of only eight tribally-run, state and federally funded facilities in the United States aiming to stem the tide of what a government survey says is nearly one-quarter of the nation's Indian teens who have used illegal drugs. The intensive eight-week program works with youths and their families. Nanitch staff not only try to keep in touch with teens after they finish the program but also connects them and their families to organizations in their local communi ties that continue what services they may need. "They include the family and that's good, it gives U . k 1.1 J' !. ,V w - v- 0 Mil 1 . , I 11 i i ft II M I fil l" I It 11" AX i) fl" - f lb II o If J Elders, veterans, and youth join in Grand Entry. kids support when they go back home," said Val Grout, Grand Ronde Council member who was on hand for the event. Grout, who brought her three granddaughters to the pow-wow, said she attended the event for two important reasons. "I came to show my support for the staff and kids," Grout said. "I also like this kind of small pow-wow because it's family-oriented." However, like most who attended the event, the Council member also expressed pride in the Tribe's efforts and accomplishments which Nanitch's de cade of service stand for. "I believe in what Nanitch is doing for our young people," she said. "I think for them to reach so many years of service really says something about the program." 0 If m'l m Mm wmmm. Royalty Princess Miranda Provost and Junior Queen Stephanie Duran introduce themselves at the Nanitch pow-wow. OREGON INDIAN INFORMATION DAY at the State Capitol in Salem Thursday, May 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 10:30 Signing of Proclamation by Gov. Kitzhaber Noon Welcome by tribal leaders and representatives from urban area Indians 1 :30 Drumming and Dancing at the Fountain Area 2:30 Light Refreshments This day will include information tables and displays provided by tribes. Everyone is welcome to attend. POTMJCK SUNDAY, MAY 21) AT NOON COMMUNITY CENTER The Tribe will host its annual Memorial Day Gathering and Potluck beginning at noon. The main course will be provided by the Tribe. Please bring your favorite salad, side dish, or dessert.
