Highlight of Red Ribbon Week Activities

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal programs hosted different activities this year in support of the national campaign of Red Ribbon Week. The Tribal Courts held an Anti-Drug Essay Contest; the Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Program held activities throughout the week and the Tribal Police organized a Drug Take Back event.

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the United States. This year it was celebrated nationally on Oct. 22-30, 2011 and served as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America.

The results of the Anti-Drug Essay Contest were posted in last weeks’ edition of Indian Time with the names of the winners of the Kindle’s given out. The SRMT Healing to Wellness Drug Court sponsored the essay contest to promote a drug free lifestyle. The Healing to Wellness Drug Court utilizes a holistic approach and intensive supervision in the treatment of drug or alcohol addicted tribal members who also have criminal charges.

On Oct. 29 the SRMTPD was one site for the DEA Pill Take Back Event and had collection boxes in the front parking lot of the Police Station. The SRMTPD site was again near the front of the pack of law enforcement agencies that collected unwanted prescriptions from community members, according to a release provided by the U.S. District Attorney’s Office. The Tribal Police collected over 48 pounds of pills, which will be destroyed along with the total of 571 pounds turned in by the public to other Pill Take Back Events locations in the North Country counties of Clinton, Franklin, St. Lawrence and Essex. Combining the April and October 2011 Pill Take Back Events, a total of 103 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs were removed from reservation homes and streets through the community action program, and 1,021 pounds were removed altogether in the four counties and Akwesasne Territory.

“Both the drug-prevention essays from the children and community, and the Pill Take Back Event on the Saint Regis Mohawk Indian Reservation, demonstrate the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s commitment to reducing illegal drug use on the Reservation,” said U.S. Attorney Hartunian. “I and my staff support this effort to the fullest.”

Red Ribbon week was a big success again this year! A big ‘thank you’ to all of the families who participated in the Red Ribbon Family Challenge is extended from the organizers. Also, a big ‘thank you’ to the St. Regis Mohawk School, St. Regis Recreation, Tsi Tetewatatkens – Office for the Aging, and ECDP Headstart for the use of their facilities and participation in the Red Ribbon Week activities.

Some of the activities that were held this year in addition to the two mentioned above include the Suicide/Addiction Awareness walk, presentations and puppet show, pumpkin-carving contest, minute to win it family challenge and plant the promise.

“It was great to see all the participation and excitement throughout the week,” said Tiffany Leabo. “We hope to see everyone again next year!”