Aionkwatakari:teke (A‑YOU‑GWA‑DA‑GA‑RI‑DE‑GEH) “For us to be healthy”
Vol. 18, №. 4 Kahnawake’s Only Health and Wellness Newsletter Seskéha / August 2013
INSIDE What We Teach Our Children part II 3 Enjoy Your Undergrad Experience 8 Fatherhood in Today’s Society 4 Post‑Sec: Stuff You Need to Know 9–11 THIS Parenting 101 5 Your Pets & Rabies 10 Building Healthy Relationships 6–11 International FASD-Day 12 ISSUE Signs that Your Child is Being Bullied 7 Aionkwatakari:teke
Aionkwatakari:teke
Aionkwatakari:teke is a newsletter Editor's Notebook published six times a year by Communications Services of Kahnawake Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services (KSCS). Our purpose is to provide information on health and wellness issues that affect Kahnawa’kehró:non. ek! It’s August already. Crazy! I don’t know about you, but it seems All community members are welcomed like the summer is going by so fast. As I’m writing this, we’re in and encouraged to submit articles the middle of a heat wave with high heat and humidity the norm provided that they are comprehensive Efor the past several days. I’m trying to remember winter and the below to the general public, informative and educational. Slanderous material will zero temperatures so I don’t complain too much about the humidity. I not be accepted. Views expressed in know it doesn’t last long but it’s hard when you can’t sleep because it’s too the articles may not necessarily reflect hot (I have no air conditioning) and you still have to drag yourself into those of KSCS. We reserve the right to work in the early morning. But I’m not complaining. I love the sunshine edit all articles. All questions concerning and the warmth and my plants are thriving now thanks to the rain and this newsletter should be directed to: now the sun and heat.
The Editor Speaking of complaining, I’m sure the kids will be doing that soon as Aionkwatakari:teke school should be starting in a matter of weeks. Parents, on the other hand, P.O. Box 1440 Kahnawake, Quebec JOL 1BO will be rejoicing. Still, for me, the summer just doesn’t last long enough. Tel: 450‑632‑6880 We have a full issue here, a couple of our summer students submitted Fax: 450‑632‑5116 Email: [email protected] articles. Way to go students! Curran Jacobs wrote a couple articles cen- (Attention: newsletter editor) tered on the university experience, with a handy bus/metro guide to help Editor/Layout/Design, Marie David new students get where they need to be. Cheryl Lahache wrote an article Executive Publisher, Derek Montour on building healthy relationships. We’ve included a couple of photo- Proofreading: graphs from one of her sources for her article, the National Collaborating Curran Jacobs Centre for Aboriginal Health, which the photographer graciously permit- ted. Check out their site, there’s a lot of great information there! And Katsistohkwi:io Jacco submitted an article on bullying that many parents or teachers might find useful. We also have other articles on rabies (what you need to know to pro- Contributors: tect your pet), parenting issues, and on international FASD-Day coming Tawnie Miller Bush up in September. We hope you enjoy this issue and, when you’re done Katsistohkwi:io Jacco Curran Jacobs with it, please recycle it. Cheryl Lahache Terry McComber Sken:nen, Kateri Oesterreich Marie Tyson Phillips Deidra Whyte, Animal Protection
This newsletter is intended to complement, not replace the advice of your health care Cover: Owen Mayo at the Kahnawake Pow Wow, July 2013. provider. Before starting any new health regimen, please see your doctor. Photograph by Kaiatanoron Mayo, used by permission.
Cover design: Marie David.
Seskéha / August 2013 2 ¦ Tekeni KSCS Aionkwatakari:teke
What We Teach Our Children part II
by tawnie miller-bush, prevention
In part one of this series, we began by looking Humility: This value ties in with hon- their friends aren’t. That is a true act of at how we can instill values in our children. esty. Humility is about being humble. courage. Courage for a teenager may be We began with honesty and love. We continue It’s not showing off or bragging; it’s walking away while all his/her friends go now, with more values. about being able to say “I was wrong,” to a party. admitting mistakes, and owning them. You will have to role model this value Respect: This is a hard value to convey. It’s very hard to be humble when you and if you slip, apologize and say “I Think of respect in terms of how you don’t know what it is. slipped, I’m sorry, that wasn’t ok” (that want your children to treat you when Gandhi was an example of humility. shows courage, honesty and humility). they become adults. Are you teaching No matter how many followers he had, them by role modeling? If you swear he never put himself above others or Please join us in the next issue for the (even if it’s just in conversation with made them feel inferior. Our clan moth- final installment in this series. other adults) children are watching and ers and chiefs are also good examples of assume this is acceptable language. being humble. Do you expect people in general to Humility takes practice. In this say “please” and “thank you” and wait day and age it’s very easy to sit behind for their turn to speak? Do you do that a computer and type anything you with your children? If you cut them want when you don’t have to address off in mid‑sentence then you are show- the person face to face. You should try ing them that you accept this behavior. being humble when posting something Gentle reminders help. For example, tell online— that takes real effort. You can them that using words like “stupid” and lead by example and remind your chil- “dummy” or comments like “shut up” or dren of this value as often as needed. “bite me” are unacceptable. Respect is a thousand little things; it’s Courage: Courage is not an easy virtue behavior, it’s attitude towards others, it’s to role model. Courage is standing up the way you speak, how you behave, and for what you believe in even if it’s not knowing when to listen instead of when what everyone else thinks. Courage is to talk. Respect encompasses so many admitting when you are wrong. aspects of our lives; from respecting Courage is apologizing no matter each other to respecting our bodies, as how much it may hurt your pride. It’s well as respecting the earth. It’s speaking sticking to your guns even though giv- and thinking respectfully. This is a very ing in may be the quick and easy fix. important and fundamental value we all It’s telling your children to stand up for need to exert. the weaker or quieter children even if
KSCS Ahsen ¦ 3 Seskéha / August 2013 Aionkwatakari:teke
Fatherhood in Today’s Society
by tyson phillips, communications
aving a family in this day your baby is born. “Your life becomes a be tired from the day, he’ll make time and age can be challenging, different experience,” he says. “It’s a big to play with his son. “I work out a few especially when both parents responsibility to raise a child. There are times a week at the gym and it’s a chal- Hwork. Sose Joseph Jacobs and his wife rough patches but you get through it. I lenge when Levi is waiting to play. I’ll Robin Guyer-Jacobs waited to start a really appreciate having a son and I feel make it up to Levi by playing with him family. Together since 2002 and married rewarded being a father.” after my workout” Sose mentions with since 2009, they were ready to become Mornings are usually busy for Sose a smile. parents in 2011 when they welcomed and Levi. “Robin starts work a few hours Being healthy role models to their their son, Levi. before me, children is important to Sose and Robin. Now, Robin is so I prepare They are non-smokers and don’t want expecting their sec- Levi for day- their children exposed to alcohol. “We ond child, a girl, care. We have will have a drink if we are out alone. this August. breakfast and Robin is against drinking in front of Sose spoke with I give him his the kids and I agree with her. We would Aionkwatakari:teke bath,” Sose never have a wild party with lots of about what it’s says, explain- booze at our home.” like being a father ing their rou- Sose and Robin’s future goals for in today’s society tine. “When their children are that they have a good when both parents Robin and I education, are well behaved, and have work. had vacation a good sense of direction in life. “We Four years ago time, Levi would be thrilled if they followed in our Sose was hired would be at footsteps and went into the health field, on at the Kateri home with as Robin did by becoming a nurse like Memorial Hospital us. When we her mom, Dawn Lazare,” he says, add- Centre (KMHC) returned to ing they will still be happy even if they pharmacy as a work, it was choose another path. “That is quite a few lab technician. very hard for years away,” Sose laughs. “Right now, we Sose Jacob and family. Photo courtesy of Sose Jacobs. Meanwhile, Robin him to go are enjoying Levi’s toddler phase and are earned her Bachelor’s in nursing and is back to daycare. He would cry and cling excited about having a baby girl.” now the assistant manager of nursing at to me; it was hard to leave him.” KMHC. Another challenge is returning home “Robin and I are both settled in our after a full day of work to a child who’s lives; we have our own house and long full of energy. “When I get home, Levi term jobs.” Sose wants future fathers to wants to play. He is full of energy!” know your whole world changes when Sose explains that even though he may
KSCS 4 ¦ Kaieri Seskéha / August 2013 Aionkwatakari:teke
Parenting 101
by terry mccomber, prevention
any parents ask what they • Engaging cooperation: How become aware of their strengths so can do and how to engage children react to commonly that they can put them into action. cooperation from their chil- used methods to get them to • Freeing children from playing Mdren. Many parents want a quick fix for cooperate (threats, warnings, roles: A look at how children are their child’s bad behaviors. orders, name-calling, sarcasm, sometimes cast into roles (bully, More often than not, many parents lecturing, etc.) Five ways to invite whiner, dawdler, mischief-maker, want their children’s compliance but cooperation that will leave parents etc.) and how we can free them aren’t ready for the commitment and and children feeling good about from playing out these roles. consistency it takes to attain it. themselves and each other. Six skills that help children At the Family and Wellness Center, • Alternatives to punishment: see themselves in a different we offer a 6–week program called How How do children normally react and more positive light. to Talk so Kids Will Listen. The program to punishment? Is it necessary is not new (by the looks of the DVD, to rely on punishment as a Each week’s lesson builds on the previ- it was filmed in the 80s and probably means of discipline? Some ous lesson. Group discussions and take on VHS) but the message the program alternatives to punishment that home assignments also help enhance offers is timeless: it is the key to helping enable parents to express their the understanding of the parents that parents communicate more effectively strong disapproval as well as participate. with their children. encourage children to assume How to Talk so Kids Will Listen will The program offers strategies that responsibility for their behavior. not solve every parent’s issues, but it include: will help a parent “hear” and really • Encouraging autonomy: Ways to • Helping children deal with their understand their children’s concerns, help children become separate, feelings: An exploration of what which is the beginning of an engag- responsible people who can happens to children when their ing cooperation that in turn helps with one day function on their own. feelings are denied. Specific skills communication. Specific skills that help children that help children to recognize If you would like more information to become more self-reliant. and cope with their negative on this program and others programs feelings: disappointment, envy, • Praise: An exploration of the kinds offered by the parenting team at the frustration, resentment, anger, etc. of praise that build a positive and Family and Wellness Center, feel free to Ways to accept children’s feelings, realistic self-image and the kinds contact us at 450‑638‑0408. limit unacceptable behavior, that are counter-productive. A Source: www.fabermazlish.com and still maintain goodwill. variety of ways to help our children
KSCS Wisk ¦ 5 Seskéha / August 2013 Aionkwatakari:teke
Building Healthy Relationships
by cheryl lahache, prevention
to become connected to another and involves behaviours such as: holding, rocking, singing, feeding, gazing, and kissing. Other crucial factors to bonding include spending time together, face-to- face interactions, eye contact, physical closeness, touch, and other primary sensory experiences such as smell, sound, and taste which help lead to an emo- tional connection/ attachment. The child’s first relationship with the primary care-giver, preferably the mother, is most significant in forming a secure and healthy attachment that will be the future biological and emotional template for all future relationships. The most important thing a parent can do is respond quickly and appro- Photograph by Fred Cattroll for the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health. Used priately when their child is in distress in by permission. order to ensure a secure attachment. The quick response teaches your child that SCS is promoting “Kahwá:tsire to bond with the child. This can be you will offer safety and security and can Aóhsera/The Year of the achieved by using positive communica- return to you at any time for help. Family”, an opportunity for tion for strong and effective “bonding” Moreover, this assists the child to Kfamilies to take responsibility and make to occur. control their emotions and behaviours some positive changes, adjustments, and According to the resource booklet, (self-regulation) and bounce back from to learn or build new parenting styles, Family Connections (2013), bonding difficulties (resilience). In the case par- methods, traditions, values, and ethics is the connection that forms between ents are unresponsive, the baby will feel that will strengthen the family circle. parents and their babies in the first few unsafe, insecure and untrusting and will Communication, the basis of healthy days of life. encounter difficulty building healthy relationships, is the verbal and non- Over time, parents can do things to emotional relationships throughout life. verbal sending of information from one strengthen this bond, such as caring for This negative childhood experi- person to another. At birth, the mother/ and playing with their children. As a ence can lead to many health problems father or primary caregiver is encouraged result, bonding is the ‘emotional glue’ including the development of a mental
Continued on page11.
KSCS 6 ¦ Ia’iak Seskéha / August 2013 Aionkwatakari:teke
Signs That Your Child is Being Bullied
by katsistohkwi:io jacco, prevention
ullying has always been a prob- • has sudden and significant “I don’t like what you are doing, so lem in society. This is why it’s drop in grades (bullying can stop that!” important for parents, teach- cause a child to have difficulty In this way, the child is standing up Bers, or any person that a child confides focusing and concentrating.) for themselves and hopefully making in, be supportive and understanding. • has unexplained physical marks the bully question their own actions. It According to the Canadian Public such as cuts, bruises, scrapes, etc. will also make the bully realize that the Health Association, there are four differ- person they are victimizing is not quiet ent types of bullying. They are: physical, • talks about feeling helpless or and weak, which can stop the bully from verbal, social and electronic (or cyber expresses thoughts of suicide. terrorizing them. bullying). Although bullying has become an It’s important for the significant It may be difficult for a child to tell increased problem among the youth in adults in a child’s life to be attentive of someone they are being bullied. It’s Kahnawake, it does not mean that it the child being bullied as soon as pos- important to notice if their behaviours, needs to continue this way. It is the duty sible. A child needs support because it’s actions or overall personality changes of parents, teachers, people in positions difficult for them to deal with bullying and matches that of a victim of bullying. of authority, or anyone that a child can on their own. If a parent recognizes that their trust, to either prevent or intervene in In the following examples (Borba), child is being bullied, it’s vital that they bullying situations. Children tend to a child may be experiencing bullying if intervene. The main goal is to stop imitate the behaviour of their parents; he/she the behaviour from continuing. A few therefore the most effective way for ways a parent can go about doing so is • doesn’t want to go to school. parents to prevent bullying is by being a by bringing together their child—the good role model to their children. • is afraid of riding the school bus. victim—and the bully. Parents should address the issue and proceed by getting Sources: • is suddenly sullen, withdrawn, both sides of the story. evasive; feels lonely. Borba, Michele. “19 Signs Your Child is Being It’s important for the parent to Bullied and What to Do About it.” What’s • appears sad, moody, angry, anxious encourage the children to come to a Happening in Character Education? Character or depressed and that mood resolution and reconciliation. Follow Education Partnership, 06 Mar 2012. Web. 4 lasts with no known cause. up with both children is ideal. Parents Jul 2013. can also teach their child to stand up • has difficulty sleeping, nightmares, for themselves. They can encourage the Definitions: Bullying. “Assessment Tools for cries self to sleep, bed wetting. child to question the bully’s behaviour Bullying, Harassment, and Peer Relations at • begins bullying siblings or by asking, for example: School.” Canadian Public Health Association. younger kids (bullied children n.d. Web. 9 July 2013. “Why would you say that?” can sometimes flip their role and become the bully.) “I haven’t done anything to you, so why are you bothering me?” or Katsistohkwi:io Jacco is a summer student working for Prevention Services. She is attend- ing Dawson College and is in their Law, Society & Justice program.
KSCS Tsa’ta ¦ 7 Seskéha / August 2013 Aionkwatakari:teke
Enjoy Your Undergrad Experience
by curran jacobs, human resources
ince I started at university, I have Every person is different when it are bound to find something of your noticed that more of Kahnawake’s comes to dealing with the stress of interest. Orientation week, department youth are also opting for post- school work, so once you find a method events and even cultural gatherings are Ssecondary education. From a future that works, stick to it. As long as you’re great spaces to really get a feel for your teacher’s perspective, this is very exciting! handing in quality work to your profes- school. If you dig really deep, there is While each new level of education can sors and meeting the deadlines, you always someone offering free food; who be thrilling, it is also a big game changer. should be on the right track! doesn’t love a free meal? Students gain responsibility for their University, however, isn’t strictly all The opportunities are endless when it own education and future. work and no play. One of the healthiest comes to undergraduate education. My Starting at a new school can be ter- things students can do for themselves biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid; rifying and making life decisions might is a find a good balance between their a little bravery can go a long way. seem overwhelming. That is exactly social and academic lives. These are things I wish someone had how I felt when I started at Concordia, Undergrad is a time to try new told me when I was starting, so I hope and again when I decided to transfer things, explore your options and dis- it helps to ease some of the anxieties to Bishop’s, which University is basically a community cover who you are. students might feel during the transition is two hours away of many smaller communities. The most intimi- to university life. from home. It’s about finding where you fit. dating part about I survived the going to a big transition and have grown to love my school is making friends. When a class undergrad experience. I believe that any size is over 100 people, it can seem really student who will be starting their degree hard to meet anyone. this fall can also learn to appreciate, and University is basically a community even grow, to love their university. of many smaller communities. It’s about Education is important, and natu- finding where you fit. If you are going rally, this is where I will begin when away for school, living in residence is an looking at the undergrad experience. excellent option. Moving from a CEGEP schedule of 6–8 The majority of my friends were classes a semester to a semester of only found when I lived in Rez my first 4–5 university classes seems like a pretty year at Bishop’s University. There are sweet deal. While 100 level classes are also so many clubs, societies, volunteer designed to integrate first year students, opportunities and organizations buzz- the workload can still seem heavy. ing throughout the school that you
Curran Jacobs is a summer student working in KSCS’s HR department. She’s currently studying at Bishop’s University and is in their Education and English literature programs.
KSCS 8 ¦ Sha’te:kon Seskéha / August 2013 Aionkwatakari:teke
Post‑Sec: Stuff You Need to Know
by curran jacobs, human resources
Dawson College qc.ca/current- students/ • Metro/Bus: From Angrignon: registrars- Atwater station on green line/ office/ direction Honore Beaugrand new-students • Support Services web site: http:// • Aboriginal www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/home Resource • What you need to survive in Centre College: http://www.dawsoncollege. Coordinator, qc.ca/our-services/student- Lousie Legault services/what-you-need-to- Room H-417 know-to-survive-in-college 514-457‑6610, ext. 5824 Vanier College The Montréal metro at rush hour. Photo by Denis Jacquerye, Wiki firstnations@ Commons. • Metro/Bus: From Angrignon: johnabbott. • First People’s House Lionel-Groulx station on qc.ca Coordinator, Paige Isaac green line/direction Honore Champlain St-Lambert College http://www.mcgill.ca/fph/ Beaugrand; transfer to orange 3505 Peel Street line/direction Cote-Vertu, • Metro/Bus: From Angrignon: Montreal, Quebec exit at Du College station. Berri-UQAM station on green 514-398-3217 line/direction Honore-Beaugrand. • Support Services: Welcome for Transfer to yellow line/direction Concordia University New Students: http://www. Longueil, exit Longueil station. vaniercollege.qc.ca/welcome/ • Metro/Bus: From Angrignon: • Web site: http://www. Guy-Concordia station on green • Learning Centre Native Program: champlainonline.com/ line/direction Honore-Beaugrand. Shana Stafiej Room: B205-B McGill University • For the Loyola campus: use 514-744-7500, ext. 707 the Shuttle Bus http://www. • Metro/Bus: From Angrignon: [email protected] concordia.ca/services/shuttle-bus/ McGill station green line/ John Abbott College direction Honore-Beaugrand • Support Services web site: http://www.concordia.ca/ • Metro/Bus: From Angrignon, • Support Services web site: Lionel-Groulx station on http://www.mcgill.ca/ • Aboriginal Student Resource Centre green line/direction Honore- Coordinator, Nadine Montour, • Support Services and Resources Beaugrand; transfer to 211 bus. http://supportservices.concordia. for students: http://www. • Support Services new student mcgill.ca/students/directory info: http://www.johnabbott. Continued on page 11.
KSCS Tiohton ¦ 9 Seskéha / August 2013 Aionkwatakari:teke
Your Pets & Rabies
by deidra whyte, assistant animal protection officer
orld Rabies Day is comes home with injuries from a fight paralysis such as abnormal facial September 28th, but do you and you believe it may have been bitten expressions, drooping head, sagging know what rabies is and or scratched by an animal suspected of jaw, or paralyzed hind limbs. howW it is transferred? Rabies is a zoonotic having rabies: disease (a disease that is transmitted to In furious or irritable rabies • don’t handle your pet with humans from animals) caused by a virus your bare hands, as there • animals may show signs of extreme that attacks the central nervous system. may be fresh saliva from a excitement and aggression. The disease affects domestic and wild rabid animal on its coat. animals and is spread to people through • animals may gnaw and close contact with infectious material, • contact your veterinarian for advice. bite their own limbs. usually saliva, via bites or scratches. The • animals may attack stationary rabies virus travels to the brain (through Animals may be able to transmit the objects or other animals. nerves inside the brain), reproduces, and virus during the period that they show then it travels back through the nerves to symptoms of rabies (if there is infec- • animals may have periods of most parts of the body. Eventually, the tious virus in their saliva). They may furious rabies that alternate virus reaches the salivary glands where it also be capable of transmitting the virus with periods of depression. is released into the saliva in the mouth. before showing symptoms of rabies. For • rabid animals may exhibit any By this time, the disease has usually example, dogs and cats may transmit combination of the above two damaged the brain, sometimes produc- the virus for three to seven days prior forms or they may exhibit no ing violent behavior and eventually to showing symptoms and bats may clinical symptoms at all. causes death. transmit the virus for 12 days prior to In Canada, the animals that most showings symptoms of rabies. If you have any questions, do not often transmit rabies are foxes, skunks, In general, any animal behaving hesitate to contact your veterinarian or bats, raccoons, and dogs. abnormally should be suspected of hav- the Animal Protection department at Domestic animals (cats, dogs and ing rabies, and should be avoided. In 450‑632‑0635. Additional information pet ferrets) are at risk of acquiring the animals, rabies may exhibit two forms, can be found at these websites using the disease if they are not vaccinated against dumb or furious rabies. search term rabies: rabies and if they come into contact with a rabid animal. Your veterinarian In dumb or paralytic rabies • World Health Organization will inform you of the schedule of vac- • some animals may show signs • Canadian Centre for Occupational cinations for your pet. Rabies vaccines of depression and will try to Health and Safety require a booster every one to three years hide in isolated places. depending on the vaccine. • Ontario Ministry of Health Dogs and cats can get into fights with • wild animals may lose their and Long Term Care wild animals if they are outdoors. If fear of humans and appear • Canadian Food Inspection Agency you witness a fight, or if your dog or cat unusually friendly.
• animals may show signs of partial
KSCS 10¦ Oieri Seskéha / August 2013 Aionkwatakari:teke
Continued from page 9. Continued from page 6.
illness such as depression, anxiety, or an Sources: ca/aboriginalcentre/index.php eating disorder. Hall Building, Room H-641 Berry, Bruce D. “Bonding and Attachment In Kanienkehá:ka history, we had 514-848-2424, ext.7326 in Maltreated Children: Consequences of strong connection to family that Emotional Neglect in Childhood.” Scholastic: • First-Year’s Survival Guide: http:// included the extended family (better Teachers Resources. Scholastic. Web. 4 Jul 2013. cdev.concordia.ca/our-services/ known as our clan system) that sup- services-for-new-students/ ported and helped raise the children and Zolten, Kristen, Nicholas Long. Parent/ first-year-survival-guides/ addressed family issues. These values and Child Communication. Center for Effective traditions can benefit today’s children so Parenting. PDF. Bishop’s University they feel important and valued within “Family Connections: A Resource Booklet • Bus: Most students live on campus our families, community, and nation; About Bonding with your Child for First or in town, but if you would like after all, they are the generations to Nations and Métis Parents in B.C.” National to get there, buses are available come. Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health. to Sherbrooke from Montreal’s Forming a Secure Attachment 2011. PDF. Central Station throughout the day. At the Sherbrooke bus • pick up baby when they cry Understanding Adverse childhood Experiences. station, you can either take a cab (2009). Prevent Child Abuse America • comfort them (roughly $12.00) or the #2 bus Publications:USA brings you directly to the school. • protect them • Support Services: www.ubishops.ca • encourage them Aboriginal Club Executives, Jordan • seek help when needed Larochelle/ Curran Jacobs [email protected] / Benefits of attachment [email protected]
• handle stress • Career & Employment Centre Marjorie Donald Building • learn new things Room 215 • solve problems Sue Meesen: smeesen@ubishops. ca or 819-822-9600, ext. 2246 • develop self-control For Bus/Train/Metro information: • trust others • http://www.amt.qc.ca/ • develop caring relationships Kahnawake Bus information: • feel confident and independent • http://citso.org/en/ • feel good about themselves Photograph copyright: Fred Cattroll, for the route-listings-schedule/ National Collaborating Center for Aboriginal (from Family Connections) Health. Photo used by permission.
KSCS Enska Tewa’nia:we ¦ 11 Seskéha / August 2013 Aionkwatakari:teke The Back Page....
“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” ~ Anne Frank (1929-1945)
International FASD Day August 1–7 World Breastfeeding Week 19 World Humanitarian by kateri oesterreich, prevention Day
n September 9th, 1999, Our reality of Kahnawake being September Bonnie Buxton, a Toronto a small town is that we can share the Breakfast for Learning mom, brought to the world information we see with anyone and Month Othe first international FASD day. bring awareness to our family, friends Childhood Cancer Recognizing a need to create public and fellow community members. The Awareness Month awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum age old slogan “It takes a community to Men’s Cancer Health Disorder (FASD), Bonnie Buxton raise a child” is not long forgotten. It is Awareness Month wondered “What if, on the 9th hour of still an essential element to making our Natl. Arthritis Month the 9th day of the 9th month of the year community a healthier place. Ovarian Cancer 1999, we asked the world to remember FASD is preventable when awareness Awareness Month that during the 9 months of pregnancy a and knowledge is prevalent. A woman AIDS Walk for Life woman should remain alcohol free?” does not drink alcohol during pregnancy Prostate Cancer Awareness Week Buxton, her husband Brian Philcox, with the intent to injure the baby’s 2 Labour Day (KSCS and Teresa Kellerman from Arizona, developing brain. Rather, she may con- closed) went on to wonder “what if we also sume alcohol because she is unaware of 9 FASD Awareness Day asked the world to remember those the risk, she may have an addiction, or 10 World Suicide millions of people who will never fulfill she may be suffering from trauma, etc. Prevention Day their genetic potential, because of prena- Whatever the reason, our role as a 15 Terry Fox Run tal alcohol exposure? At this magic min- community is to support the woman 21 World Alzheimer’s Day ute in history could we begin to change and her partner to get the help and sup- 26 Terry Fox Natl. School the world?” From those questions, the port she needs to allow her to have the Run Day first FASD awareness day was born. healthiest baby possible. 28 World Rabies Day Now, every year on September 9th FASD does not go away; it is a life 29 World Heart Day at 9:09 a.m. across the globe, people time physical disability of the brain and hold activities and moments of silence central nervous system. It is our role to to remember, acknowledge and bring identify the disability and make accom- Do you have questions or suggestions? Is there a topic you would like to awareness to the nine months of preg- modations to allow the person to thrive. see covered in a future issue of the nancy and the importance remaining Please take the time to make yourself newsletter? Contact us and let us alcohol free while pregnant. FASD aware. know. This year in Kahnawake, awareness Aionkwatakari:teke Source: http://www.fasday.com/FASDAYFirst. P.O. Box 1440 about FASD will be promoted and htm Kahnawake, Quebec JOL 1BO found throughout our community. Tel: 450‑632‑6880 Fax: 450‑632‑5116 Email: [email protected]
Seskéha / August 2013 12 ¦ Tekeni Tewa’niawe KSCS