Impressive set of workshops held

by Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

FORT LIARD (Feb 20/98) - Residents -- young and old alike -- came out in force last week in Fort Liard to take part in a variety of workshops and events aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.

Deh Cho Health and Social Services (DCHSS) and Fort Liard's Elets'ats'eni (Helping One Another) society joined hands to bring in respected role model Travis Dugas to lead the workshops.

DCHSS provided funding while Elets'ats'eni organized the workshops.

Local organizer -- and Elets'ats'eni founder -- Irene McLeod said that discussions at the local school and in the community revolved around confidence and self-esteem building, dealing with peers and drug and alcohol awareness and the prevention of abuse.

McLeod said Wednesday evening's traditional dance performance by Dugas was a highlight.

"It was excellent," she said. "The whole community was out."

Elets'ats'eni, which McLeod founded about a year and a half ago after the tragic death of her daughter, is also trying to encourage more adults to take time to get involved in their child's education.

"Interaction between parents and kids is so important," she said.

McLeod is a lifelong Fort Liard resident.