Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Fort Norman (Nov 26/01) - Prayer and stories from the old days help Sarah Cleary understand her place in the world.

Tulita Wellness Agency worker Sarah Cleary shares a laugh outside the Vital Abel House in Ndilo. Cleary visited the community last week. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

"We need big prayers for all our people, and that's how we can help each other," says Cleary, a drug and alcohol counsellor with the Tulita Wellness Agency.

"We try to talk about grieving, and about the old days. There are lots of prayers. Spirituality is a big part."

Cleary, originally from Deline, recently completed a year-long drug and alcohol counselling course at the Nechi Institute in St. Albert, Alta. She graduated last June.

A recovering alcoholic, Cleary says a lot of her counselling techniques involve sharing her personal experiences with those she treats.

She will try to motivate her clients by describing how positive her life has become since she quit drinking.

"While I was drinking, I wasted all those years. But now that I'm sober it can be bad outside, but it will still be a beautiful day," says Cleary.

She says helping people control their addictions has also had a positive effect on her as well.

"When you're helping someone and they have a smile on their face afterwards, it's a great thing," says Cleary.

Cleary has also been very active with local youth. She has accompanied them onto the land where she has taught bush and survival skills, and shared stories she learned from elders.

She also enjoys playing sports, listening to gospel and country music, and dancing. Her favourite author is George Orwell.

When dealing with the merging worlds of traditional and western cultures, Cleary feels it is important to stay grounded, and to put things into perspective. "It's good to have the best of both worlds," says Cleary.

"You don't want to abuse the convenience of it (technology). You don't want it to take over your life."