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DENINU KU'E/FORT RESOLUTION
Residents of Fort Resolution have had their chance to say what they would do to battle alcohol and drugs, and improve overall community wellness.

Fort Resolution resident Leonard Beaulieu makes a point while addressing the Minister's Forum on Addictions and Community Wellness on Jan. 17. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

A little more than 20 people turned out on Jan. 17 to speak before members of the Minister's Forum on Addictions and Community Wellness.

There were many opinions and suggestions expressed, along with some moving personal stories told of fighting addiction.

An emotional mother told how her young daughter has been trying for two years to get into appropriate treatment in the south, but has still not successfully made it through the lengthy and complicated application process.

"It's a daily struggle as a parent to knock on doors for her," said the mother, noting her daughter wants to be helped. "What else do we do? It's sad. It's not only her."

The mother asked, if people want to change, why aren't they getting the help and the support they need to make that change?

Three members of the forum - Wilfred Simon of Fort Resolution, Pat Martel of the Hay River Reserve and Jill Taylor of Hay River - were on hand to hear people's concerns and suggestions.

Simon, who is a community wellness worker, told the group the minister of Health and Social Services is looking to find out what works and what doesn't work in each community.

Brandie Miersch, another forum member, called for more workshops to teach skills such as parenting.

She noted some parents have difficulties, especially with disciplining children. "They struggle. They don't know how to deal with an out-of-control teenager."

Miersch also called for more education directed towards young people on the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs.

"If the community is going to get healthier, we have to start with younger kids. Break the cycle there," she said.

Miersch believes the community has gotten better over the years, saying, for instance, there are not as many alcohol-fuelled parties. "Our community is not a horrible place."

Kara King said addictions stem from history, and called for more instruction in the school on aboriginal culture and a societal emphasis on decolonization.

"You have to teach yourself to be proud of who you are," King said.

Leonard Beaulieu called for a greater presence of the RCMP in smaller communities such as Fort Resolution, comparing the police service there to larger centres such as Hay River and Yellowknife where more active enforcement of drug laws occurs.

"If the police were doing their jobs, things wouldn't be as bad as they are in the Northwest Territories," he said.

Beaulieu also partially blamed the government for the alcohol problem in the NWT, saying it oversees the system of distribution and sets the drinking age.

Elder Mary Pierrot called for the revival of Our Great Elders Facility, a four-bedroom building which has not been used for its original purpose in years.

"It was meant for us elders," said Pierrot, adding the building is now being used for offices.

She added that, if Our Great Elders Facility returned to its original purpose, it would mean fewer older people would be sent away from their home community for care elsewhere.

"They die quicker of loneliness," she said.

One common theme in the discussion was the need for community unity, especially among the three levels of local government - the Deninu Ku'e First Nation, the Fort Resolution Metis Council and the Hamlet of Fort Resolution.

The community is not pulling together, said Beaulieu. "That's the worst part of Fort Resolution. If they don't work together, the problems are going to get worse."

The forum's community visits began in early December in Fort McPherson. Upcoming stops will include the Hay River Reserve on Jan. 21 and Fort Smith from Feb. 6 to 8.

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