At a Thomas Simpson school "circle gathering" on Friday, Fort Simpson residents Suza Tsetso and Michael Cazon shared memories of their struggles growing up surrounded by alcoholism.

Children and healthy lifestyles were the emphasis at a National Addictions Awareness Week circle gathering at Thomas Simpson school last Friday afternoon. Students and friends Ramona Bain, foreground, and Coleen Canney embrace after singing The Circle Song. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

Students from kindergarten to Grade 12 listened along with other community members as Tsetso recounted how she saw alcoholism all around her. She later entered an unhealthy relationship and fell victim to the bottle herself.

Having little self-esteem, she even attempted suicide a few times, she said.

"Mostly I struggled alone. I had no support ... mostly because I didn't know how to trust others," said Tsetso. "Sometimes the truth can by scary and nobody wants to hear it. Sometimes even adults don't want to hear the truth."

Although she has been sober for the past 12 years, Tsetso still introduced herself as an alcoholic. She said she can't allow liquor to creep back into her life because it would kill her.

There's no known cure for alcoholism, but there's support through organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon and Alateen, she noted.

She and her partner, Walter Edwards, have also started a venture to help support people in the community.

Michael Cazon's experience was similar. His family also suffered from alcoholism.

"There was nobody there for me," he said. "Today that's different. There are a lot of programs and services. I get my strength by sharing my story."

Rita Cli, chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation, told the students that they are the potential leaders of tomorrow. The elders have recommended that leaders lead healthy lifestyles and be role models, she noted. That especially holds true today because critical decisions are being made about Deh Cho lands, said Cli.

"We have to be alcohol- and drug-free," she said.