Waapi Kani (Cedar House) Mental Wellness & Recovery Services hosts Recovery Fest
Paul Frank speaks at the Waapi Kani Mental Wellness and Recovery Services
Recovery Fest on September 24.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Waapi Kani (Cedar House) Mental Wellness and Recovery Services is hosting a series of events this week for National Recovery Month.
The first day was the Tribal Recovery Fest on September 24 with recovery speakers throughout the day including Kelly Buckskin, Sasha Lopez, Torri Dugger, Cheston Yupe, Lemuel Stone, Elise Benally, Kelsey Bear, Neena Smith, and Bree Smith. During an open mic at lunch Bob Johnson also shared his recovery story.
Emcee Jordan Broncho said it’s important for everyone who has struggled in their recovery to remember, “We’re all still here. We’re here to make our life better and keep working on it a day at a time. It’s awesome, it’s a great day to be sober.”
Jordan Broncho emcees the event.
Three-year Recovery Coach, Chantal Stone, said the event is meant to promote recovery on the reservation.
“There’s a lot of people that struggle with alcohol and drugs. It started with alcohol, but now it’s graduated to fentanyl and overdoses and death. It’s been happening for many years.”
The event was started by the late Donna Honena, who wanted to make it the best it could be for the tribal members.
“We like to get together, to help people share their stories in hopes that our peers will be encouraged to get on that read road with us and we all can just support each other,” said Stone.
Lemuel Stone speaks.
On Wednesday, they will continue with presentations on fentanyl, Naloxone, ‘Culture is Prevention”, and MMIW.
On Thursday, they will have a Provider Training Day at the Shoshone-Bannock Hotel & Event Center. Participants will learn about the science of addiction, easy Buprenorphine prescribing, low threshold care, and harm reduction.
Recovery Fest lunch.
