Scores of people, including numerous students, took part in the annual Tree of Peace Wellness Walk early Monday afternoon.
The event, which has been held for more than 50 years (formerly as the Sober Walk), raises awareness about the harms of substance abuse and promotes healthy lifestyles.
SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e sort of concentrating on prevention this year,SA国际影视传媒� said Katherine Arden, community wellness manager for the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre. SA国际影视传媒淲e want to make people aware that itSA国际影视传媒檚 National Addictions Awareness Week and that there are alternatives to using drugs and alcohol.SA国际影视传媒�
She said the number of participants varies each year, but they usually aim for at least 100 walkers. The event is a way of showing solidarity and support for those who are struggling with addiction or have lost someone to addiction.
Students from Sir John Franklin High School, Mildred Hall School and Aurora College were among those who showed up this year. They carried posters with slogans such as SA国际影视传媒淒onSA国际影视传媒檛 do drugs,SA国际影视传媒� SA国际影视传媒淒onSA国际影视传媒檛 smoke cigarettes,SA国际影视传媒� and SA国际影视传媒淒onSA国际影视传媒檛 drink alcohol.SA国际影视传媒�
The walk started at the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre and followed a circuit along 51 Street, Franklin Avenue, Reddi Mart and Centre Square Mall.
After the walk, participants were treated to pizza and beverages at the Tree of Peace along with a speech by a representative from the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a way of saying we care SA国际影视传媒� weSA国际影视传媒檙e here, weSA国际影视传媒檙e listening and weSA国际影视传媒檙e willing to help,SA国际影视传媒� said Arden.
Beyond the walk, the Tree of Peace also provides help for people who are facing intergenerational trauma, which can affect mental health and sometimes lead to substance abuse.
SA国际影视传媒淵ou canSA国际影视传媒檛 deal with one without doing the other eventually,SA国际影视传媒� said Cynthia Dearborn, community wellness counsellor with the friendship centre. SA国际影视传媒淲e send them to treatment centres if they request that, and we just provide them with as much support as we can.SA国际影视传媒�
She added that her main approach is cognitive behaviour therapy, which works well with addictions, trauma and mental health issues. She said she also uses other methods, depending on the individualSA国际影视传媒檚 needs and preferences.
Dearborn said the centre also does some outreach work, such as delivering a psycho-educational course called Living in Balance or Journey to Recovery at the Salvation Army and the Yellowknife WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 Centre. The course covers topics such as addiction, coping skills, relapse prevention, self-esteem, communication and relationships.
The Tree of Peace welcomes more support from the GNWT for addictions and trauma recovery, as there is a high need and it continues to grow, according to Dearborn.
SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 a lot of people that need help and thereSA国际影视传媒檚 a lot of people that want help,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
