Sokaogon Chippewa Community News

Prevention Week Raises Awareness

Posted on: May 23, 2019

Photo submitted by Kimberlee Soldier

National Prevention Week was observed last week. This annual observance is designed to raise awareness of the types of services available for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA), and to educate community members of the ongoing efforts that are taking place to prevent substance abuse and mental illness.

On Friday, the second annual Walk for Recovery began at the Shell Gas Station in Stone Lake and ended at the Dinesen House in Mole Lake.Nearly 100 participants joined the 10-mile walk.

The recovery walk began last year as part of a project to raise awareness from both Native nations in Forest County, and to honor all people affected by addiction, those in recovery, and their support groups.

Photos submitted by Kimberlee Soldier

The following day, a parade was held in downtown Crandon. Floats from the Sokaogon Chippewa Community, the Forest County Potawatomi Community, the Forest County Drug Task Force and the Sheriff’s Office were in the parade, and local AODA services and organizations participated and distributed information to raise awareness about substance abuse. After the parade, there was a cookout, speakers, music and games for attendees at the Crandon Community Building.

Kimberlee Soldier is a mother and a Tribal Member in recovery, and helped to organize both events. Kimberlee is honored to have been a part of something so important, and hopes to create a better future for her children, her community and others in recovery.

“Addiction doesn’t hold any discrimination on who it gets or who it attacks,” Kimberlee shared. “Addiction will attack anyone, no matter race, gender, color. It attacks everyone. It’s what we do to help combat that – to help fight that – is what counts.”

A fire will be kept for near the Dinesen House to continue to raise awareness about substance abuse, and for community members to pray for those in recovery or those suffering from addiction. All are welcome to visit and help tend the fire.

“Giving your asemaa (tobacco) and prayers to the Creator, walking around that fire and smudging, it’s to help heal you inside,” Kim said.

Click on the image above to view WJFW’s story on the 2nd Annual Walk for Recovery.
Miigwech to the Sokaogon Chippewa Tribal Council, Mole Lake Casino and General Manager Bryan Tate, the Forest County Potawatomi Community, the Forest County Health Department, the Crandon Fire Department, the Forest County Sheriff’s Office, Reinhart Foodservice, and all the organizations, individuals and participants who helped make both events a success.