Outlines the history of alcoholism in Aboriginal communities, and looks at combining western medicine and traditional healing methods to help Aboriginal people rebuild and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
The file contains an opening prayer, drum ceremony, and opening comments by Moderator John Stiffarm for the Youth Circle sitting held by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Tuesday, May 25, 1993, at the Lethbridge Lodge, Ballroom A, Lethbridge, Alberta. Following a sweetgrass ceremony, opening prayer, and drum ceremony, Moderator John Stiffarm discusses the significance of the ceremony and the circle hearing, as well as its' format. Commissioner Georges Erasmus also makes some brief remarks on the sitting's format.
The file contains a closing prayer, closing remarks by Moderator John Stiffarm, and an Honour Song. Moderator Stiffarm thanks the participants, some of the organizers, and states that as young people "I pray that we will be able to take some action and be able to come together, regardless of tribes or whatever, and help each other out -- help ourselves most of all." Following this is an honour song after which the day's sitting is concluded.
The file contains further comments by Moderator for the day John Stiffarm. Stiffarm recounts some of his personal experiences and the struggles he faced as a youth with racism, discrimination, alcohol, and drug abuse. Stiffarm discusses how he found meaning through traditional culture and spirituality, particularly through drumming, and its importance in healing people and communities.
The file contains further comments by Keith Weasel Head. Weasel Head, who works at the Laverne Elementary School on the Blood Reserve, and is also a post-secondary student, discusses the problems youth face with drugs and alcohol. Weasel Head offers his personal perspective on how people can cope with and overcome these problems.
File contains a presentation by Peggy Bird, Joanne Jackson, and Alanna Elijah, members of the Tribal Soverignty Association and councillors at the N'Amerind Friendship Centre in London. Bird, Jackson, and Elijah discuss the Healing Circle program they are involved with which seeks to treat social problems with traditional spiritual concepts. Following their presentation is a discussion between the three presenters and the assembled Commissioners on some of the issues raised.
This file contains a presentation by Deanna Grey Eyes, Pat Shirt and Wilson Okeymaw focusing on their organization's goals, including relevant and timely program development and delivery; cultural programming to increase awareness of Aboriginal culture and individual self-esteem; using Aboriginal counsellors as role models; and introducing or strengthening their clients' traditional spirituality. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.