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Raising awareness Residents take to Fort Simpson's main street to show support those with FASD
Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, August 29, 2013
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
More than 60 people slowly walked down Fort Simpson's main street on Aug. 26 to raise awareness and show support for people living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Jessie Horesay, left, Sharon Farcy, Sakaeah Charles Winter and Betty Cazon were among the participants in the FASD Awareness Walk in Fort Simpson on Aug. 26. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo
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Denise Winter organized the walk. Her adopted son, Sakaeah Charles Winter, has the most severe form of FASD in the village.
The walk is about educating people, said Denise, calling it an annual reminder for people to have healthy children, as well as a reminder about the realities of living with FASD.
FASD is a term that describes a range of disabilities that may affect a child if the child's birth mother drank alcohol while she was pregnant. The effects of alcohol on a developing fetus can cause physical birth defects and health problems, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, memory problems as well as difficulties in understanding consequences.
Denise said she was glad to see about 63 people participate in the walk that started at the Nahanni Inn and proceeded down the village's main street to the Liidlii Kue First Nation office where snacks were provided.
"I really thank them," Denise said about the participants. "It's all about love."
Sakaeah, nine, was among the last people to finish the walk. He completed the whole route, holding hands with some of the participants for most of the walk.
"I really do believe my son is going to change something in town," Denise said.
She said she already sees an awareness about FASD in Sakaeah's classmates who watch out for him.
FASD Awareness Day happens annually on Sept. 9. This year's walk in Fort Simpson was held early because Sakaeah will be away for medical appointments on Sept. 9.
Liidlii Kue First Nation (LKFN) helped to host this year's walk. The annual walks help raise awareness about FASD, said Cheryl Cli, LKFN's Brighter Futures co-ordinator.
"It definitely makes people ask what is going on," she said. "I think a lot of people are starting to become aware of the seriousness of FASD."
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