By Bryan Eneas

Sturgeon Lake walks against drugs and alcohol

Oct 19, 2017 | 5:00 PM

The Sturgeon Lake First Nation took a stand, or a walk rather, against drugs and alcohol today.

The sun was shining, but the air was frigid as students gathered along the main road connecting the Sturgeon Lake First Nation. Wearing crisp white T-shirts emblazoned with SLADA (Sturgeon Lake Against Drugs and Alcohol), they marched down roughly four kilometres of road holding signs promoting positive lifestyle choices.

The event was part of the second annual walk against drugs and alcohol, organized by the staff from the Sturgeon Lake Health Centre. Hundreds of students got a break from classroom activities as they participated in the walk organized by Robin Longjohn.

“A lot has changed since last year, especially the social media,” Longjohn said. “Before having my first walk, when you opened up Facebook, that’s all you’d see was people talking about drugs, people talking about parties.”

After hosting the first annual SLADA walk, Longjohn said the amount of posts on social media about drugs has drastically dropped off.

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Longjohn said a drug strategy committee was created last year and is now looking at various options such as a curfew to try and curb drug use within the community

“We’re taking baby steps, because it’s not an overnight thing, it takes time, it takes work and people getting together,” Longjohn said. “So far, it’s been really good. We’re getting things done.”

The location of the walk’s starting point was changed this year due to the onset of colder weather. Last year’s walk spanned just shy of 10 kilometres. While the starting point shifted, the message from the youth of the Indigenous community did not change.

“They’re ready to go, which is good, ’cause this is all for them,” Longjohn said. “It’s all for the children that came out, and the ones that are exposed to drugs and alcohol in their own home.”

As an addictions worker, Longjohn visits the Sturgeon Lake Central School and presents to students about addictions, drugs and alcohol. He said he’s amazed by what the youth already know and understand about the topics.

Longjohn said now he’s now working on plans for Addictions Awareness Week, when he will be back at the school presenting to students. He’s also planning the third annual SLADA walk in the community. He encouraged the residents of Sturgeon Lake to come out and participate next year.

“Come out, and see what we’re fighting against,” Longjohn said. “The worst thing to do is hide behind closed doors. Come out, if there’s an addiction, any kind of addiction… it could be gambling, so-on and so-forth.”

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas