NEW YEAR'S EVE SOBRIETY POWWOW
By MAAJIITAAZIIBIIKWE, MARY SAM
The 2022 Annual New Year’s Eve Sobriety Powwow was a huge success, with over 700 people in attendance at the new District I Community Center. It was hosted by the District I office and partners including Mille Lacs Band Health and Human Services and Behavioral Health Program and supported by countless employees and volunteers. Representative Virgil Wind noted his excitement and gratitude for the ability to “help others bring in the New Year clean and sober.” A special Miigwech to those who sponsored dance specials, including District II Representative Wendy Merrill, District III Representative Harry Davis, Secretary/Treasurer Sheldon Boyd, Am Vets, and Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures. Additional thanks to emcee Redwing Thomas, host drums Little Otter and Young Kingbird, Arena Directors Nick Sam and Donald "Duck" White, Lead Dancers Bobby Eagle and Wendy Merrill, and Elder Joe Nayquonabe Sr. for providing the invocation. This year’s event included a successful vendor fair.
Two new additions to the event included gifting attendees who are walking the path of recovery from mood altering drugs and alcohol a recovery coin along with an opportunity to participate in a gratitude activity sponsored by the family of the late David "Amik" Sam. Nearly 50 years ago, David was co-founder of American Indian Services Half way House Annual Sobriety Powwow held at the American Indian Center, when living free from alcohol and celebrating being clean began to take hold in the urban community. In honor of David, who practiced living gratefully, attendees were invited to participate in an activity and drawing with prizes provided by the Sam family and Representative Wind. Participants filled out a note card where they were asked what they are most grateful for now that they are living clean and sober.
Listed below are a few comments and reminders about how living clean and sober has created a moment to reflect and practice gratitude in the coming new year. The coins and gratitude activity reminded many about the value of gathering at the beginning of a new year creating a safe, clean, and sober event, and changing the cycle of addiction that many of our families are all too familiar with.
