Grads of First Nations healing program share tears, laughter

The Kwanlin Dn First Nation's potlatch house reverberated with drummingthis week in Whitehorse.

The performance marked the end of a sobriety and healing program for 12 men, who had spent 28 days at the Jackson Lake Healing Centre, outside Whitehorse.

Each man carried a hand-made drum. Some relatives in the audience wiped tears as they watched it happen.

Change is not easy for any of us- Andy Neiman, Jackson Lakecounsellor

"Some of you have waited a long time," acknowledged Andy Nieman, a counsellorwho ispart of the Jackson Lake Wellness Team.

"We wait a long time for our loved ones to start on their healing journey."

Neiman told the families their support is essential. "These men have worked very hard over the last 28 days, and you being here is very important,"he said.

"Change is not easy for any of us."

Sweatlodges and cold swims

The Jackson Lake Healing Centreoffers cabins and on-the-land experiences such as a sweat lodge andcounselling.

In 2014, the Yukon Government announced $1 million infundingto be spread out over three years, doubling previous support.The camp also receives an annualfederal commitment of$500,000from Health Canada.

Potential clientsmust apply to the First Nation and are screened andinterviewed prior to being accepted. So far,Jackson Lakehas mostly welcomed members of Yukon First Nations, butit is also open to non-Indigenous people.

On Wednesday, graduates told stories of starting every day with a cold swim.

They also shared some laughter andcamp stories.

"[I want to thank]all the people taking care of thecamp. There was always firewood, water, everything available to us. All we had to do was focus on ourselves, and that was a huge relief off our shoulders," said graduate Joseph Fraser.

Hugging one of the graduates, counsellor Phil Gatensby said "I'm so grateful to have spentthe 28 days with you, brother. I appreciate it."

'Welcome home' ceremony

A phrase often said at the ceremony was that a 28-day sobriety program is only "the beginning of a journey".

Gatensbyurged the importance of loving families to help the men maintain sobriety.

"Every single person who came to the camp spoke about their family," he said. "They said, 'I am doing this for myself but I'm also doing it for my family,' which is incredible."

Jeanie Dendys, theKwanlin Dn First Nation's justice coordinator, says the "welcome home ceremony" has become a tradition of the program.

"Seeing all of you come here today to support your men and help them come home in a good way is very importantto their success."

While the latest program was for men, the healing program also hosts programs for women. A new program for youth is scheduled to begin this summer.

Thelatest class means 165 people have graduated from the Jackson Lake healing program since 2010.

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