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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
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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."
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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.