Benson: A New Canine Friend

We've had a couple of dogs. When our daughter Erin Marie was home we had a dog name of Casey Canine or KC K-9. He was, oh probably a lab/collie mix. He lived to a ripe old age.

Later, Barbara decided we should get a smaller dog. That's fine, but I don't like those yippy dogs. So any rate, we got maybe a three year old Llasa Apso. Barbara called him Wilson. He had a terrible habit of chasing cars, and one day we all paid for it this past summer. We were crushed, it wasn't like Casey who lived a long life. We loved Wilson. He was a great dog. His job was as a sentinel. He took care of everybody. Llasa's are not eye oriented, they are audio. They say a Llasa could be blind and you might not notice much difference in behavior. So Wilson, soon as he knew you meant no harm to us, he'd start guarding you too. He'd have a heck of a time if we had an outdoor party, checking out new arrivals and then keeping an eye on everyone. He was always there, but he never got underfoot.

So it took us awhile of grieving, but a couple weeks ago, Barbara saw a Llasa up for adoption close by. He's ten years old. He was homeless because his elderly owner had gone into hospice and soon died of cancer. Barbara thought that a message a good omen, that she should care for this dog. So we traveled to Solway and came back with a new friend named Ben. Barbara doesn't like people names for dogs, so she's trying to think of a name that sounds like Ben but isn't. (Not that the dog knows his name, hasn't proved it so far.) So we think. Benny? Benji? Naw. How about Bennett or Bentley. Bentley sounds good. Like our eldest daughter Kimberly Irene suggested "Dad you could take your Mustang to town and tell people you left your Bentley at home". So Bentley it was...for a couple days. Somehow one day, I called him Benson. Barbara liked it. Easier to say, sounds closer to Ben. What do you know? When Barbara took him in for a check up and a grooming, on the bill it said Benson. So Benson it is. He's a full blood Llasa Apso.

What's a Llasa Apso?

The Lhasa Apso is a non-sporting dog breed originating in Tibet. It was bred as an interior sentinel in the Buddhist monasteries, who alerted the monks to any intruders who entered. Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and apso is a word in the Tibetan language meaning "bearded," so Lhasa Apso simply means "long-haired Tibetan dog."

Having been bred as an indoor monastery sentinel dog by Tibetan Buddhist monks, Lhasa Apsos are alert with a keen sense of hearing with a rich, sonorous bark that belies their size. The ideal Lhasa temperament is to be wary of strangers while being loyal to those closest to them.

The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet, perhaps as long ago as 800 B.C., which makes it one of the oldest recognized breeds in the world. Recent research has shown the Lhasa as one of the breeds most closely related to the ancestral wolf.

Referred to in Tibet as Apso Seng Kyi, best translated as "Bearded Lion Dog," the Lhasa's primary function was that of a household sentinel, guarding the homes of Tibetan nobility and Buddhist monasteries, particularly in or near the sacred city of Lhasa. The large Tibetan Mastiffs guarded the monasteries' entrances, but the keen hearing and sharp bark of the Lhasa Apso served to warn residents if an intruder happened to get past the exterior guards. These little guardians were highly prized. It was believed that the bodies of the Lhasa Apsos could be entered by souls of deceased lamas while they awaited reincarnation into a new body. Lhasas in Tibet were never sold. The only way a person could get one was as a gift.

Our friends on Bixby knew we were getting a dog, and asked us to drop by on the way home. We were greeted by nearly the whole family who came rushing out the door with two cameras snapping away. I think Benson thought he was home and was going right out the window.

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. ~Ben Williams
Barbara has a permanent smile. I'll put up with a hound dog any day for that smile.

We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment. ~George Eliot
She looks pretty happy. He's getting a little concerned. This isn't home? Please don't take me back to that "place".

One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you're feeling blue is that he doesn't try to find out why. ~Author Unknown

Benson takes Barbara for a walk.

A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk. ~O.A. Battista

Hmmm. Something interesting.

When a dog barks at the moon, then it is religion; but when he barks at strangers, it is patriotism! ~David Starr Jordan

The new family.

Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull

A man may smile and bid you hail

Yet wish you to the devil;

But when a good dog wags his tail,

You know he's on the level.

~Author Unknown

My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That's almost $7.00 in dog money. ~Joe Weinstein
Time to go home and meet the three felines.

A cat, after being scolded, goes about its business. A dog slinks off into a corner and pretends to be doing a serious self-reappraisal. ~Robert Brault
And off we go.

I read in the papers, there are robbers

With flash lights that shine in the dark

My love needs a doggie to protect her

And scare them away with one bark ~ Patti Page

Olympic Hockey: Watching with a Canadian.

The Olympics were held in Vancouver. That's in the western part of a country north of the USA known as C-eh-N-eh-D-eh! Rumor had it, that Canada had never won an Olympic gold at a winter games held in Canada. (Well they won the most I think this time) Any rate, the Canooks are hockey freaks as most everyone knows. So all the Canadians are saying, "if we only win one gold medal, it's got to be in hockey". Jeesh. And they're so doggone nice these Canadians, you can't help but wish them well.

As an aside, scores of Canadian mothers have a terrible time in child birth I'm told, 'cause many of the babies are born with skates on. Not sure if I believe that. Canadians often embellish. And then they laugh if you believe them.

So our friend Derrick is from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Now you might be able to take the boy out of Saskatoon, (and even make him an American) but you can't take Saskatoon out of the boy...or hockey either for that matter. The guy's in his mid-40's and he still goes play hockey once a week during the winter. Now in my book, he's not as sharp as his skates, but he's nice. All Canadians are nice. And he risks inviting a bunch of American's over to his home to watch the arrogant Americans play the nice Canadians for the gold medal in Olympic hockey. Most people were already there, I came in half way through the first period. I got on the wrong bus, in spite of the fact that I had a name tag on with the correct bus number. Oh well, as I call Barb to tell her I made it okay, Ashley tries to make me feel better. And she did.
The Americans. Lizette, Gregory, and Rachelle's mom Connie. We were cautioned not to cheer too loud, so as to not sadden the lone Canadian, our host. Canadians get sad, not mad.
Now can you guess which person is the Lone Canadian? Yup. The guy who dressed for the occasion. There's a big "C" with a little "h" in the middle, (I think it means Montreal Canadiens or Les Canadiens de Montréal) on his chest. French, that's why "e" stead of "a". Here, allow me impress Derrick;

Founded in 1909, the Canadiens are the longest continuously operating professional ice hockey team and the only existing NHL club to predate the founding of the NHL, as well as one of the oldest North American sports franchises.

The Canadiens have won 24 Stanley Cups (including their first in 1916, before the NHL existed), more than any other team. On a percentage basis, as of 2010, the franchise has won 25% of all Stanley Cup championships, making it one of the most successful professional sports teams of the traditional four major sports of Canada and the United States. Pretty impressive, eh? So there, that's why the jersey.

Rachelle, who lives with the Lone Canadian, works in the kitchen too nervous to watch the game. She leans almost 45 degrees to the north, as she knows that if Canada loses, there's going to be a moping husband. She wouldn't dare cheer for USA, or she'd be sleeping in the garden shed 'til the next games.
Rachelle in the kitchen pretends she is a cyclops. She don't look like a one-eyed giant to me much.
Mom and daughter make five pizzas for the crowd of skaters. No cake, so no icing.
Silly Rachelle. It says "Michael's Pizza. (Double Pepperoni & half onion) He will share!" Somehow I must have a reputation for "power plays". Jeesh, I shared. I know, I watch Sesame Street.
Oh wow. End of regulation, USA has tied it 2-2 with hardly any time left. And although he doesn't show it, our Canadian has got to be...well, fit to be, tied...too. We cheered quietly.
See, look at him. A friend called to dare try rub it in. They didn't talk long. Ashley who is half Canadian, looks like she's taking it pretty seriously too. Let's try an icebreaker. Nice haircut Ash!
SCORE! Canada wins in OT. He looks pretty happy, but let me tell ya, he's happier than he looks. And all is well on Bixby. Wife and kids are happy, 'cause Dad's happy. We full blooded Americans? Well, we figure if the USA is gonna lose, who better to lose to, and what better way to lose than 3-2 in OT? Me? I figure the country who wants it most should win, and that would be Canada. Oh Canada! This day I cheer for thee.

O Canada! our home and native land!

True patriot-love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,

The True North strong and free!

And stand on guard, O Canada,

We stand on guard for thee.

Chorus

O Canada, glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! where pines and maples grow,

Great prairies spread, and lordly rivers flow.

How dear to us thy broad domain,

From East to Western sea.

The land of hope for all who toil,

The True North strong and free!

Chorus

O Canada, glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! beneath our shining skies,

May stalwart sons, and gentle maidens rise.

To keep thee steadfast through the years,

From east to western sea,

Our own beloved native land,

Our true north strong and free!

Chorus

O Canada, glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Painting and Photography with Ashley

Ashley Elizabeth is quite a gal. She's one of my favorite teenagers and an interesting human being to boot. She must have some unfavorable traits, everyone does, but I guess I don't see them or know what they are. When I see Ashley, she always has a big smile, super friendly, chatty, and just down right charming. Plus, she acts like she likes me and I like that, which makes me like her even more.

We've got a few things in common. We both like photography, and she's pretty good at it. She has a natural talent in my view. Ashley pays attention to composition, lighting, color, angles, and creative in her editing as well. She even says she might study Mass Communications in college, which was my major. (I have a BS from BSU which don't hurt when one is in my business.) She's into music, and dancing. She'll sing a song or play the electric piano at the drop of a hat. She's an actress and has performed on stage at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse. Photography, music, dancing, acting. These are some of my favorite things, and so no wonder, Ashley one of my favorite people.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things

But it's not all roses and kittens. Ashley's a worker...unlike this Lazy Boy. In fact sometimes she's a work instigator. One Saturday in February 2010, she got up and told her folks that the living room needed painting. Well dad and mom just happen to be impulsive types and have trouble saying no to this only daughter. And so they did, and for some reason I dropped by. Don't ask, I don't know why.

Always a smile, Ashley demonstrates how to use a paint roller. Dad did high up, mom did trim, and Ashley did the rollin'. I did the rockin'.
Ashley framed. Pretty as a picture.
Note dad behind the couch in the corner. He was given a "time out" for painting low. Me? I'm trying to explain to mom why I'm a lousy painter and should not help.
But I've been double teamed, quickly turning to my left I explain to Ashley that I'm color blind, a peculiarity to men only so I couldn't expect her to understand. In fact she should take pity on me, for goodness sake, what must I be missing by being blind of color? Painting for one. Ah shucks. Darn.

I see a red door and I want it painted black

No colors anymore I want them to turn black

I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes

I have to turn my head until my darkness goes ~ Jagger/Richards

More to my liking. Sittin' down and lookin' at pictures. The walls coated, Ashley decides to show me her most recent photos.
Here she is showing me the strange places her puppy Cinnamon chooses to nap.
Naturally, I must query her from time to time on composition. She loves to take micro close-ups of flowers and other things that would never cross my mind.
Here Ashley shows me photos of her mother, which is alway good for a laugh it seems. She says it's impossible to get a good photo of mom, that she's not photogenic, because she insists on making "fake smiles". I disagree, but I don't let on.
Ashley and the mother whom Ashley says a good photo cannot be taken. But c'mon, look at mom, straight out of Vogue or Elle, don't you agree?
Waiting for the paint to dry, Ashley takes a photo of me taking a photo of her. End of a long day and pretty cozy.
The job done. Cinnamon takes her place on the couch to watch for marauding college kids out the front window. Mom and Dad are happy with Ashley's Saturday morning idea. And me? I don't know the difference. But I got to spend some time with the next Annie Leibovitz, almost sounds like Ashley Elizabeth.

I couldn't quote you no Dickens, Shelley or Keats

'cause it's all been said before

Make the best out of the bad just laugh it off

You don't have to go there anyway

So remember, every picture tells a story don't it ~ Stewart/Wood

My Main Chow? Chow Mein.

I'm not a bad cook. Just don't like it much. I'm Irish, pretty simple to please, (food-wise). Meat and potatoes, yup. I like some vegies and will eat most because I know I should. I've learned to eat salad, and sometimes I even like it. Seems to me like to cook a good meal takes a lot of time. Maybe I'm a Lazy Boy. Guess I am.

From time to time I will cook, but usually only things I really like to eat. Mostly I cook breakfast. I like bacon, sausage, or ham and eggs. I like eggs cooked most any way, but mostly over easy. And with that, I cook up fried potatoes or what my Dad used to call American Fries, and wheat toast. A big glass of orange juice, and a big glass of skim milk tops off my favorite breakfast.

I do like to cook home made french fries, and hamburgers on the grill. I take my time when I cook, try to get it just right, all done at the same time. I suppose there's a few other things I cook from time to time, but mostly the aforementioned.

Now Toll House chocolate chip cookies I used to bake, but I made them too good, and couldn't stop eating them. Oh, and I made some fudge that was so good that it was declared illegal and classified as a controlled substance sometime in the late 80's. I started with a single recipe, but kept doubling it until I was making pounds of it, and I'd eat it until I got sick and couldn't walk. I'd have to roll from place to place. You see I'm impulsive, compulsive and some would say repulsive, but the point is, I couldn't stop savoring that fudge. So my wife petitioned the Bemidji City Council to draw up an ordinance prohibiting any such goings on on lots 10 and 11, Riverwood Estates. Passed 4-3.

But my favorite thing to cook and eat is my mother's recipe for chow mein. My mother made chow mein for one meal. Because I love it so, I always doubled the recipe so that I could eat it for two or three days. Seems like anyone I've ever cooked it for loves it. I always have two helpings and most everyone else does too.

So eldest daughter Kimberly, who doesn't get up north all that often, has been lobbying for chow mein for years. So I say, c'mon up and I'l do it. And so she does, with husband Scott, daughter Kelly, and son Jack in tow. But now I have a problem. Gregory, Lizette and son will want to come for supper, right? Right! That's 4 + 3 = 7. And then my new friend Rachelle, finally realizing that Michael cooking may not be an urban myth, insists she must try this potion as well. Thankfully, she only brings daughter Ashley and leaves hubby and boys at home. Hmm, should I have been insulted? So with Barbara and I, now we are at 11 people eating my chow mein. The pressure's on the cooker. What if they really like it?
What to do? A quadtruple recipe! Instead of two each? Eight each to eat of onion, mushroom, bean sprouts, chow mein noodles, and a couple bottles of La Choy Soy Sauce. Gotta be La Choy soy sauce and bean sprouts, but China Boy chow mein noodles. Not too fussy on the mushrooms, as long as they're stems and pieces. The celery stock. Eight heads of celery. Not sure how many stalks.Four pounds of beef and four of pork. Not sure what the cut is, I just ask the butcher to make me some chow mein meat equal parts beef and pork, and this is what I get, whatever cut already cut to the right size. Having only a four quart pot, Brother Bear loaned me his eight quart. Brown the meat. Put some fire under the celery and onion. Notice how everything seems to be eight? Well believe me, 'tis true, everything WILL be ate.Add the meat, and you've got a full pot. But no bean sprouts and mushrooms yet, because they are already cooked. I do add soy sauce, salt and pepper until it feels right. Put a cover on it. Slow and low cookin' please, a couple three hours. You have to add water to the pot at first, but careful, as we all know there's a lot of water in the celery, and you don't want to be putting soup on your plate when it's done. After cookin' for awhile, the bean sprouts are added along with mushrooms. I can do it two handed. My granddaughter Kelly is amused quite often by her grandfather. And so quite often he goes out of his way to amuse her. I didn't even know she was there watching me. I was pleasantly surprised of course. She's as weird as me, maybe even more so. Actually more so, I've got peace signs on shirts, she's got on skin. I guess that's bonding of sorts. Only hers is more so.Maybe she's amazed, or amused or a ruse to confuse Hardly Harvard.Your grandfather added soy sauce to what? These two, having been only recently released from the Last Frontier, have not had Mother's chow mein in 30 years. Hmmm, doesn't that shirt seem redundant? If a Marine was "yellow", I reckon he/she would be of lower rank. Duh. Probably get booted right out of the Corps by some Blue Meanie, no doubt.
"As we live a life of ease,
Every one of us has all we need." ~ Lennon/McCartney
Ashley, Barbara, Alex and Rachelle pose with a pot. "Are we gonna eat the WHOLE thing? Oh no, no way. Mikie will be eating it for days, he'll eat everything but not anything.
Peas Porridge hot,     
Peas Porridge cold, 
Peas Porridge in the pot 
Nine days old! 

Same for Chow Mein...well, maybe three days and freeze some. How about that?

Grandson Jack. He loves squirt and chow mein? Not me. Gimme doodooshaboo, ain't that a great word for milk? Ojibwe.Kimberly, Scott, and Kelly on the couch. Ashley in the foreground. All eating away so much I thought for awhile they might be oxidizing. Ashley was the only one who did not have two big helpings. Don't remember what part she didn't like, but that little idio-sin-crazy is the only part about her I don't like. Lizette and Rachelle purse their lips blowing the hot chow mein cool. I know, counterintuitive. Stay away! No doggie bags! We ate about half. So I cut the other half in half, half to freeze and half to eat for the next three days. Just put it in the fridge for Barbie and me.

“Tradition is Prevention; Culture is Treatment”

Indezhiniicoz Bitig Omakakii (I am called Wood Frog) Gonna try something new. I still have some catch up on time to do and I will soon. I will not abandon family, friends, and whimsy, but I may write about other things I do. Give it a try?

I'm going to do something I haven't done up until now. I'm going to try to write something a bit more serious. Perhaps even educational, you can be the judge on that. I'm going to continue to use photos, as I have, to supplement and break-up the story. This may look like a press release, if I don't like the way it looks, maybe I'll try next time to make it look less so.

I work with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians as a contract Government and Public Relations person. I have studied the culture, history, and language of the Red Lake Ojibwe. I believe I have learned, they are my friends, and I am their ally. Bimaadizi Gabeyi'ii (Long Live) Red Lake Nation.

FOURTH ANNUAL DRUG/GANG SUMMIT

HELD AT RED LAKE

“Tradition is Prevention; Culture is Treatment”

is Overriding Theme

The fourth annual Red Lake Drug and Gang Summit was held at the Red Lake Seven Clans Casino Event Center on February 23 and 24, 2010. The theme was entitled “In Memory of Bill Blake: Continuing His Mission”. Bill, who passed in August 2009 at age 45, was a Red Lake member and highly decorated Minneapolis Police officer who never forgot his people. This years summit had over 300 registrants shattering the 2009 record of 250.

Tom Barrett is interviewed by Lakeland News

The summit began with opening remarks by Tom Barrett, Executive Director of Red Lake Chemical Health Programs. This was followed by an opening prayer by Spiritual Elder Larry Stillday. At 9 AM, a welcoming were presented by Red Lake Chairman Floyd Jourdain, Jr.

Red Lake Chairman Floyd Jourdain visits with the Blake family. Left to right Melissa, Jourdain, Alexis, and Blake’s ex-wife Dawn

Following the welcome by Jourdain a special presentation was given for the Bill Blake family in honor of the Summit’s theme. Bill’s daughters, mother, and ex-wife were all present for the giving of a memorial plaque. The plaque was made of transparent glass, had a photo of Bill, the Red Lake logo, and the words “In Memory of Bill Blake: Continuing His Mission”, with the word Ogichidaa (Warrior) at the bottom.

Activities during the summit included presentations, workshops, and break out sessions. As is customary in Indian Country, lunch was served each day, along with door prizes and more.

Presentation Highlights

Dr. Cecil White Hat (Lakota Sioux) who presented a session entitled “Traditional Family Roles”, interviews with Lakeland News reporter Ashley Soukup

White Hat, in a PowerPoint presentation, described the objectives of traditional family roles. It began by providing information that then enabled participants to define and clarify cultural practices that show a healthy traditional family lifestyle. He starts off with describing the kinship system circa 1830 to 1870, when family culture was governed by familiarity and respect. Family members based their behavior according to age, gender, and proximity of relationship. These principles enabled the group to be cohesive, workable, foster harmony, and avoid conflict. For example, toward one’s sister-in-law, a boisterously friendly and intimate joking relationship was expected. However, to one’s mother-in-law, complete avoidance was the rule. Avoidance being an expression of highest reserve and respect.

Avoidance was part of culture then. Partial avoidance made it improper to look directly at the other person or to speak except under the most urgent conditions. This was required for all persons who a man called “sister”, “female cousin”, or “father-in-law”. Similarly a woman should avoid her “brothers”, “male cousins”, and “mother-in-law”. Complete avoidance was demanded between “sons” and “mothers-in-law”, and between “daughters” and “fathers-in-law”.

Bragging was considered a social sin. A man’s family was his first thought, ties to family was the strongest, then to his clan, then to his tribe. A good husband was a good provider and protector. Wives, on the other hand, decided where the family would live. Neglect of children was unknown. A child without parents was taken into someone’s home. Elders were objects of care and devotion to the last, treated with respect and revered for their knowledge. They were the storytellers and teachers.

White Hat’s presentation closed with a series of questions asking those in attendance how many of these traditional values are present in your family today, and to what degree.

White Hat gives hope by suggesting looking to cultural remedies, and that this awareness can lead to liberation. The first step is love and acceptance of oneself and of being Indian. A restoration of family is needed. He points out where there is historical grief and loss, you can also find historical strength and healing. “One cannot treat addiction without addressing the spiritual and cultural issues”, said White Hat. “This is critical to long-term sobriety”.

Dr. Rosemary White Shield (Anishinabe/Choctaw) presented a session on Nokomis Endaad (Grandmother’s House)

“The purpose of Nokomis Endaad”, says White Shield, “is to provide culturally intrinsic healing for American Indian women who are challenged by addiction, mental health, sexual trauma, and cultural disorders”.

And she provides some stark statistics. Indian women face the highest rate of sexual violence of any group in the U.S. One of three Native women will be raped in her lifetime, and three of four will be assaulted. She goes on to say that American Indian men and women suffer disproportionate rates of trauma, and the experience of sexual trauma can have devastating mental health consequences. Research then, shows that these victims are more likely to use alcohol and other drugs to cope with this trauma.

But there is more. American Indians display the highest lifetime occurrence of major depressive disorders, and that alcohol and drug use are frequently observed in those suffering. Natives make up 1.2% of the population of Minnesota, yet make up 7.7% of all chemical dependency treatment admissions.

Coincidently but not surprisingly, Dr. White Shield cites historical trauma as being significant and alcohol as the common denominator. “Some native scholars say that the effects of historical trauma are now being passed down generation to generation”, said White Shield. “There is an effort among many Indian Nations to heal the effects of historical trauma, and learning about these factors is key to that healing”, she said.

Historical trauma refers to a cumulative wounding across generations as well as during one’s lifetime. Victims of genocide during Indian-European wars is estimated to be up to 13 million indigenous people. Using conservative estimates, 2/3 of indigenous people in North America were exterminated between 1500-1900. 90% of American Indian children were forcibly placed in boarding schools by 1930. The theory goes on to say that there is an “intergenerational transmission”, meaning there is a psychological transfer of trauma response across generations.

Her PowerPoint presentation goes on to describe that colonization and forms of assimilation result in “altered states of self”, that is, a loss of traditional values and culture. Colonization has historically used sexual violence as a primary tool of genocide – for Native women – to stop them from being mothers. The presentation states that colonization encompasses a wide range of strategies, “not only to destroy peoples, but to destroy their sense of being a people.”

The answer according to White Shield is the decolonizing of Indigenous minds by re-centering Indigenous values and cultural practices within research practice, and an essential piece is an Indigenous peoples’ struggle for self-determination.

Over 300 registrants from Red Lake, neighboring tribes, and non-Indians participated in the Summit

Rick Moldenhauer conducted a session on opiates. Moldenhauer is a Treatment Services Consultant at the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division, DHS. From a PowerPoint presentation, Moldenhauer pointed out the definition of opiates which are any of the psychoactive drugs that originate from the opium poppy, or have a chemical structure like the drugs derived from opium. They include; heroine, morphine, oxycontin, vicoden, percodan, etc. Moldenhauer concluded his presentation with two slides, one that said “Walk the Red Road”, and the other perhaps more good advice...“Tradition is prevention, culture is treatment”.

One of the good and bad things about the Red Lake Indians is they always feed you well and for free. I've been working for three years to remove 40 pounds I gained the previous five.

Mr. Charles Cichon,) presented a program entitled “Methamphetamines to Prescription Drug Abuse-Scope fo the Problem 2010”. Mr. Cichon is the Executive Director of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) and has a background in law enforcement, and in health regulatory and the pharmaceutical industry. He is an international speaker on the topic of pharmaceutical abuse and diversion and counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

Patty Kaunkel explains to registrants the Red Lake Nation tribal court CRAFT (Creating Restitution and Following Traditions) program.

Mr. William Brunelle, Director of Public Safety, Red Lake Nation and Mr. Colin “Kelly” Brunelle, Criminal Investigator, Red Lake Nation made a co-presentation on Statistics form Public Safety and Working the Drug Task Force. William Brunelle was the previous Public Safety Director and Chief of Police for the White Earth Reservation. Mr. Colin Brunelle as criminal investigator works specifically with narcotics, gangs, and major crimes.

Michael Stillday gives a presentation on the Redby Community Patrol

Mike is an Emergency Medical Technician employed by Red Lake Comprehensive Health Service since 1990. Stillday is a Basic Life and CPR and EMT instructor as well as being captain of the Redby community patrol.

Hard workers at the registration table, more than 300 registered

David Parnell is a methamphetamine and suicide survivor. His presentation was entitled “Facing the Dragon”. Parnell began using drugs at age 13 and progressed to harder drugs, eventually to methamphetamines. He was addicted for seven years before attempting suicide by shooting himself under the chin with an SKS assault rifle. His injuries were so severe he was written off as deceased on his way to the hospital. He’s had 15 surgeries and has more to go. David is sober after 23 years on drugs.

Gary Russell of Evergreen Shelter in Bemidji explains “Gang Identification”

Gary Russell has been the Program Director of Evergreen Shelter Program in Bemidji for the past fourteen years. He spoke on “Gang Identification”. Russell initiated and facilitated the Bemidji based, Multi-County Gang Task Force for four years. He continues to be involved in gang resistance education, intervention and rehabilitation.

Alice Benaise and Marilyn Mountain share a lighter moment

BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

These presentations were followed by break-out sessions in the afternoon of Day 2, to tackle various aspects discussed during the presentations. Participants were assigned by District.

Part of the handouts at the Summit showed the results from last year’s break-out sessions where these questions were asked: How Does Your Community View Alcohol and Drug Use? Has Red Lake Moved Forward From the First Summit? What Can We Do to Continue the Positive Momentum? What Were the Stumbling Blocks?

Tribal Council members attended the Summit including Red Lake Tribal Treasurer Darrell Seki

Niin Gichi-niiji (My Great Friend)

MISSION AND GOAL OF THE DRUG/GANG SUMMIT

The mission of the Red Lake Drug and Gang Summit is to educate and mobilize tribal agencies, professionals, schools and community members in a variety of efforts opposed to illegal drugs on the Red Lake Reservation. The goal of the summit is to produce committees that will advise communities on how to effectively address issues of crime, drugs and violence while working closely with district representatives and the Red Lake Tribal Council.

Famous Red Lake walleye and wild rice were on the menu on Day 1 (For friends who live on Bixby)

The impetus for the event began at a special Tribal Council meeting in September 2006. At that time it was announced that the Tribal Chairman was calling for a summit on Methamphetamine/crack cocaine to be held. The Indian & Free Drug Program, Project Safe Neighborhoods, and the Red Lake Nation Coalition (White Bison) now the Seven Clans Wellbriety Coalition, was instructed to head the summit.

Giga-waabamin miinawaa

(I'll see you again)