'We are celebrating sobriety': Inuvik, N.W.T., marks Addictions Awareness Week with lots of activities

This week is National Addictions Awareness Week, and Inuvik, N.W.T., residents have a full calendar of events to promote and discuss sobriety. 

The week is being led by the Mental Health Awareness Working Group in Inuvik. It's made up of different organizations and volunteers in the community.

The week's events started on Sunday with a community brunch and a sing-a-long. A loche fishing derby also started Sunday and will run all week.

People looking to weigh in on the fishing can bring their catch to the Hope House anytime this week to get it entered in the contest. Winners will be announced this Saturday.

A different community event or gathering is planned for every day this week. Afternoon storytelling, evening feasts and movie screenings are some of the events planned.

Dennis Allen, the manager of wellness services for the Gwich'in Tribal Council, said the week is about celebrating those who are making healthy choices.

"We are celebrating sobriety. There's a lot of people who have been sober for a long time and we want to have a fun week for them, honour them and their efforts to stay sober and try to encourage others to live a substance-free lifestyle," said Allen.

Jerome Gordon is the Brighter Futures co-ordinator with the Inuvik Community Corporation. He hopes to see a lot of people come and enjoy themselves this week.

"I just want to say that when there [are] activities happening, get off your phones, leave the TV, grab your family and get out and participate," said Gordon.

Gordon said there are a lot of people working hard this week to make sure the events are all family-friendly, with zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol.

"We try to do so much in the community and we just hope people see the importance of having such activities." he said.

Gordon said weeks like this where events are being held to celebrate sobriety need to be well-attended and supported to make an impact. Showing support for family and friends who are making healthy life choices is a big part of their healing, he said. 

"Right now we know there's so many bad things out there that will hurt our children and our community. So by having these healthy activities we hope they can make good choices every day," said Gordon.

As part of his job, Gordon promotes organizations putting on events that support healthy living. He said the best activity for anyone to clear their mind is to spend time doing traditional activities.

"One of the best healthy activities is going out on the land," said Gordon.

The schedule of events is being shared on the Inuvik Events page on Facebook and on the Mental Health Awareness Working Group's Facebook page.