THUNDER BAY – National Chief Shawn Atleo, Assembly of First Nations (AFN), has confirmed his attendance at the Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM) “Back to Our Roots Gathering III”, hosted by Neskantaga First Nation November 6-8 2012. The National Chief will address the Gathering on Tuesday November 6 and will also meet with the Matawa Chiefs to discuss and address Prescription Drug Abuse/Misuse (PDAM) and Ring of Fire Issues.
The Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy, Chiefs of Ontario (COO), and Grand Chief Harvey Yesno, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) will also be attending the Gathering.
This is the third annual Matawa Back to Our Roots Gathering that has been dedicated to resolving PDAM at the community level. Many community members are participating in treatment programs. The communities now need to move forward with aftercare, community support and relapse prevention.
Keynote speaker Bridget Perrier will address the Gathering to dispel the myth that sex trade work is a choice, and also to talk about her life and her journey of recovery from prescription drug abuse and misuse.
For more information about the “Back to Our Roots Gathering III”, regarding registration, organization or agenda contact: Pauline Mickelson, Matawa PDAM Coordinator, 807-344-4575 or Rhoda Angees, Neskantaga First Nation Health Director, 807-479-2515.