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| Volume XXV, Number 11 | August 13, 2004 |
By Iretta Tiger
MARCO ISLAND, FL — “I’ve been in recovery for fourteen years. Life is very important and it’s up to you to take something back. It’s a tool,” said Chairman Mitchell Cypress at the opening ceremony of the 2004 Seminole Wellness Conference. The conference has been a valuable tool in the recovery of many Seminole citizens for eleven years, and many return each year for the teachings, support and to visit with friends.
President Moses Osceola was very proud to see more of the younger generations attending the conference.
“ Rehab and recovery are fantastic words,” said Trail Liaison William Osceola. “When you’re in recovery or rehab you become a beautiful person and you start doing things to improve everything around you.”
Dr. John Gray, author of the best seller “Men Are from Mars, Women Are From Venus,” was the first presenter of the conference. Dr. Gray’s presentation was the subject of his book. He also shared a few health facts and had everyone do a simple but highly effective exercise. Surprisingly this exercise is one that has been used by Native Americans for centuries.
Tribal citizens Janice Billie, Vincent Micco and Owachagie Osceola shared their stories about their struggle for sobriety. The thing that stood out is that sobriety is a daily, even hourly struggle. Billie noted that for her, she needed to look into herself and strengthen herself before she could return to her family and help take care of them.
Jerry Moe returned this year to make two presentations, Filling the Void and Tough Love. Moe’s talks are always something to look forward to. To make his point, he not only speaks of his subjects, he physically demonstrated them in unexpected ways.
On the subject of tough love, Moe asked an audience member to try to stop him as he ran at full speed towards her. This demonstration was to show how useless we are in trying to stop someone who does not want to be helped. We don’t want them to be hurt but there is no way to prevent it unless the person realizes for themselves and slows themselves down.
Suzanne Davis and several other members from the health department also did two presentations. The first was about diabetes, and focused on making healthy eating decisions.
The second presentation was titled Germs of Endearment; it focused on sexually transmitted diseases. The health team also did a little dance number demonstrating who is susceptible to STD’s.
Broken down into two sessions were the twelve steps, so that each step could be talked about in detail. It’s important to realize that each step cannot be completed without the other. Those who have tried to skip steps are often the ones who relapse.
Comedian Don Burnstick started the third day of the conference with a hilarious comedy show. To say this man is funny is an understatement. Burnstick also hosted one of the men’s group sessions.
The family services department talked about anger management. This subject was also taught at the recent Women’s Wellness Conference. Family services focused on the type of anger that is most common among tribal citizens.
A special dinner during the conference was Seminole Pride Night. Everyone was asked to dress in Seminole clothing for the dinner. The hotel chefs tried to make fry bread, but unfortunately the results was not that great.
Nutritionist Karen Gauci gave valuable information in trying to control obesity. Gauci’s insight into small but important changes in eating habits shed light on why exercising sometimes won’t bring the desired results. Gauci currently does nutritional presentations for the tribal employees at the Hollywood office.
The conference concluded with the awarding of certificates to those who truly made an attempt at participating in the conference.
Ironically, at every meal, the dinner hall would be so full that many people had to eat in the conference room, yet when it came to the presentations, the conference room would be half full at most. However, many people would reappear at meal times.
An important part of the closing ceremony is the Sobriety Countdown. This is where people are recognized according to the length of their sobriety.
The first two people to be recognized are Bob Motlow and Vincent Micco. Motlow has been sober for thirty years, and Micco has been sober for twenty-two years. Congratulations for this wonderful feat.
The final dinner for the conference was a 50s-themed party complete with an Elvis Presley impersonator. Costumes were provided including outfits for a few select Pink Ladies. Everyone danced and posed for pictures with Elvis late into the night.
Remember that help and support are all around you. As tribal citizens we have incredible numerous resources available to us. If you feel you have no support at home, all you have to do is go and talk to family services or even one of the officials. Believe it or not, there are people who really do care.
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