BRINGING IN THE NEW YEAR CLEAN AND SOBER

Over 130 community members who were willing to be recognized publicly for their sobriety received a recovery coin . Photo by BJ Roache.

By Maajiitaaziibiikwe, Mary Sam

From its conception in 2008, the goal of the New Year's Eve Sobriety Powwow is to offer a sober event for the community on a holiday that has traditionally been associated with alcohol and drugs, according to Commissioner of Health and Human Services Nicole Anderson, District I Representative Virgil Wind, and former District I Representative Sandra Blake. In its early years, the event was held at the Old District I Community Center, bringing together a sizable group. This year, at the New District I Aquatic and Fitness Center, attendance grew to well over 600 to welcome the new year clean and sober.

“To see how this event has grown is so heartwarming, and the energy there with community members and visitors was so positive,” Sandy Blake said.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to former District I Representative Sandra Blake and many others who first brought this New Year’s Eve Powwow to our community.," District I Representative Wind said. "This event has grown and the movement to heal in our community is contagious, exciting, and so needed. This is one of my favorite events each year.”

The celebration was co-hosted by Health and Human Services, Substance Use Division (SUDS), Halfway House Staff, and the District I Legislative Office. Additional dance specials were sponsored by District II Representative Wendy Merrill, District III Representative Harry Davis, Secretary Treasurer Sheldon Boyd, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, and Women’s Auxiliary.

Health and Human Services and other volunteers staffed a space that provided a quiet and safe space for kids who needed a break. Countless others, including the District I Ge-Niigaanizijig Program, helped to ensure Elders were fed, and helped set up and clean up after the event.

Elder Joe Nayquonabe Sr. provided the invocation to start the event in a good way. “There was such good energy here. I remember spending times like this in unhealthy ways," Joe Sr. said. "This is a much better way to live.”

Host Drums were Little Otter and Red Willow. Head dancers were Jada Karlstad and Max Blake Jr.

In addition to a delicious meal, dance specials, attendees celebrating being clean and sober were also recognized. Over 130 community members who were willing to be recognized publicly for living a life free from drugs and alcohol were recognized with a recovery coin designed by the District I Legislative Office.

“There was someone there celebrating his first day being clean to an Elder in recovery for 49 years," Wind said. "And another who shared she never used drugs or alcohol in all of her 63 years.”

A circle was formed, and an honor song was given to those able to stand or dance.

“The room was electrifying — the joy, the respect, the love and gratitude that indicates that finally the clean and sober movement has taken hold in our community," said Chandell Boyd, SUDS Program Director. "It is now okay, cool, and the right thing to do for ourselves, our kids and the next generation to be clean and sober."

The District I Ge-Niigaanizijig Program has helped with this event for a few years. This event provides another opportunity for youth to engage in service work which builds purpose, leadership, and spending time with positive people who are free from substance use and other unhealthy behaviors.

Program participant and leader Earl Monchamp said, “I do this because I care, it feels good to help and to see our community doing good things together.” Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation.

Recovery occurs and is sustained through community. “Making sure that everyone felt welcome in our really big circle helps everyone know that they all have a place as our community works to heal and recover. This is community at its finest, one day at a time, clean and sober,” Commissioner Nicole Anderson said.

May 2024 be the year that brings your dreams, hopes, and recovery from anything that has caused you pain, to reality.