 |
         |
      |
| Volume XXIII Number 11 | August 16, 2002 |
9th Annual Seminole Wellness Conference
By Alexandra FrankMARCO ISLAND-During the week of July 15-18, the Marco Island Hilton Beach Resort served as the site for the 9th Annual Seminole Wellness Conference. The four-day conference encompassed several issues aimed at wellness and recovery for the 200 conference attendees.
This was the first time I had attended the conference, and I was under the impression that the conference was set up only for individuals with substance abuse problems. On the contrary, the conference touched on subjects like health and fitness, divorce, low self-esteem, gambling, and diabetes. The classes on self-empowerment were well delivered and, in some cases, humorous and fun.
Seminoles in "recovery" had a chance to hear testimonials from other Seminoles successful in their recovery efforts. This helped the newly recovering substance abusers see that they are not alone in their efforts to straighten up their lives, and that others know first hand what they are going through.
The testimonials often highlighted how the speaker started using drugs or alcohol and what type of lifestyle they lived at the time. They would then talk about the turning point in their lives; what made them decide to give up alcohol or drugs.
Hearing the personal side of substance abuse gave the testimonials a more human feel, as the speakers described a debilitating disease that wrecks the self, families, work, and society. The conference also explored many other issues associated with substance abuse. One issue, gambling, had a four-person panel, all of whom suffered from the habit to various degrees. The one common thread that linked all four individuals together was the realization that they had some sort of substance abuse problem personally, or suffered the effects of substance abuse through family. This concept was eye-opening as, one by one, we learned the history of the four former gambling addicts.
As mentioned before, the four recovering gambling addicts suffered in various degrees of gambling. At least three had abused substances before turning to gambling. They likened gambling to the substance they abused. The high they got from gambling was like the high they got from the abused substance.
The fourth panelist explained that he was a late blooming gambler and, while he was not a substance abuser, he did come from a family that abused various substances.
All four panelists said that their gambling addictions had wrecked their marriages, broken up their families and even put one of them in jail. The similarities between individuals living with a gambling disorder and the substance abusers were striking. The havoc spawned from gambling addiction, such as stealing, lying, getting arrested for embezzlement and suffering from a wrecked economic environment closely resembles a drug addict’s or alcoholic’s lifestyle. In fact, the four panelists agreed that problem gambling is similar in all aspects to substance abuse, it just goes by a different name with the same type of results. They have the same dependency, a quick high with equally devastating results.
And like some substance abusers fed up with living a life addicted to drugs or alcohol that gives way to depression, suicide seems to be a choice a gambling addict is willing to take. The similarities between gambling addiction and substance abuse was eye opening and made one realize how easy it is to go from one bad habit to another if a person is not careful. Although the conference was geared for helping the adults, the Seminole youth were not ignored. There were classes available for youngsters aged 7-18 years old. The younger Seminole youth were able to attend a "kids camp" offered through the hotel.
The Seminole youth ages 7-18 were able to attend culture classes involving arts and crafts, as well as issues resulting from living with a family member with a substance abuse problem. Many of the youth classes were smaller versions of the adult classes. This format helped to cover everyone in the family structure. There was one speaker in particular who seemed to reach everyone. Lisa Tiger, a Shawnee/Cherokee/Seminole from Muskogee, OK held a forum on HIV/AIDS. Lisa has been on the conference circuit for many years.
Lisa told everyone how she became infected with HIV. Her now deceased ex-boyfriend was not particular to a certain sex. In fact, one of Lisa’s male friends confessed to having sex with her boyfriend. This prompted Lisa to seek testing for HIV. Lisa began to realize how unfaithful her soon to be ex-boyfriend was. This was also at the hardest point in time for Lisa, who had, for the past two years, suffered the tragedy of losing her younger brother.
Lisa’s brother had been murdered during an argument with another young native male outside a bar. This was probably the saddest day in Lisa’s life, and the most trying time for her. When Lisa went for the HIV testing, she resolved to deal with the outcome the best that she could. Lisa said she was more concerned with the outcome of the trial of the man who had killed her brother.
Lisa must have found the strength of a thousand people to cope with the test results that would undoubtedly cause anyone else to go into shock, or worse, over the edge with grief. Perhaps it was focusing on the outcome of the trial that helped Lisa to remain strong when she learned about her test. It was only after the disappointing sentencing of manslaughter charges against the murder and his time to serve (28 years) that the reality of Lisa’s predicament hit her.
Lisa, who did not use alcohol, thought of doing so only to make the loss of her brother less painful. Due to an incident involving alcohol in her early twenties, Lisa had stopped using the substance.
She resolved not to go that route. Instead, with steely reserve, Lisa chose a path not always easily taken by most people. Lisa chose to stay sober and worked at staying healthy by exercising, eating right and living alcohol and drug-free.
Lisa discovered that the best way to cope with the disease was to help educate other people about the disease. Lisa began to attend conferences and workshops catering to Indian communities across the United States.
Lisa promotes living a healthy lifestyle and staying away from alcohol or drugs, which can cause poor judgement. Lisa warned that, when one abuses substances, their judgement about sex is clouded and they may practice unhealthy sex practices, like having unprotected sex.
An individual may also enter into an unhealthy relationship that involves abuse or pick up other habits involving other types of substance abuse. There were plenty of questions for Lisa after she spoke about the story of how she contracted HIV. She also spoke about how she has continued to live the disease for the past 10 years.
Her message did not fall upon deaf ears and it was great to see so many people interacting with Lisa, learning more about a disease many people still do not fully understand. The Wellness Conference is about gaining information that is critical to help make one’s road to recovery a little more easier. When the disease of alcohol and drugs are in your life everyday, it is hard to comprehend the dangers that can result from substance dependency.
Some of these dangers are ignoring health problems, whether they are mental or physical. When a person enters into a questionable relationship, they can find themselves being abused or turned on to more hardcore drugs, thus making it harder to get help when they need it.
I was glad to have attended the Wellness Conference. I learned that there are many factors affected by substance abuse, such as health, self, and peace of mind. These are all under duress when a person lives a life abusing alcohol or drugs.
It was great to see so many tribal citizens participating in the many activities offered. One activity in particular brought everyone together on the last night of the conference. Thursday was "Mexican Night", they had food, decorations and music with a Mexican theme. Individuals were asked to dress in their best Mexican outfit so that the spirit of the evening could be enjoyed by all.
I know a lot of parents were probably grateful for this night, many young Seminoles danced to music provided by a DJ long into the night. I can imagine that there were many sleepy heads at the hotel on this night!
Also there were three birthdays during the conference week. Robin Osceola, Rowdy Osceola, and Dillion Osceola all received recognition for their birthdays. Another form of recognition took place during the certificate awards ceremony. Suzanne Davis, Allied Health Program Manager, was given the "Employee of the Year" award. Health Director Connie Whidden, along with President Mitchell Cypress and Helene Buster, all spoke kindly of Suzanne, who is a hard worker and friend to the Seminole communities. The award could not have gone to a more dedicated individual than Suzanne; she is the perfect candidate for such a momentous award. Congratulations Suzanne, on earning such a well-deserved token of appreciation, you have earned it!
This year’s conference was a success. Helene Buster, committee member, announced that next year would be the 10th anniversary of the Wellness Conference. The last evening will feature a prom theme dance to mark the 10th anniversary of the conference.
The prom theme will give some of the conference attendees who missed their high school prom a chance to relive the event. Since some people may have missed their high school prom due to various reasons, the committee thought the dance would be a great way for them to go through the high school prom experience.
If you ever thought of attending the Wellness Conference, next year may be the prefect time to go. Who knows, you may learn something new and, in the process, get reacquainted with people you kind of know and get a chance to hang out with those you do know. So make plans to attend, because the applications are done on a first come, first serve basis. See you there!
| Home · History · Culture · Tourism & Enterprises · Government · Services · Employment |
Copyright © MMIV Seminole Tribe of Florida
6300 Stirling Road
Hollywood, Florida 33024
Phone: (800) 683-7800
URL:
All questions/comments: tribune@semtribe.com
Webmaster: webadmin@semtribe.com
Web site maintained by Seminole Tribe of Florida