 |
         |
      |
| Volume XXIII Number 10 | July 25, 2003 |
By Paula Cassels
MARCO ISLAND — On July 13-18 the10th Annual Wellness Conference was held at the Hilton on Marco Island.
This year’s conference offered more than discussions on drugs and alcohol, but a chance of healing one’s self. Individuals searched for a trail of forgiveness by expressing their inner most feelings.
It involved people into making loving, positive choices, moving away from negative energy that may promote bad health, grief, anger and loneliness.
Council Chairman Mitchell Cypress attended the conference and gave encouraging words of support to the attendees. Cypress stated “We may all have difference problems but we are all in the same recovery circle helping each other”.
Special guest to this year’s 2003 Wellness Conference were closes friends and past high school classmates of Chairman Mitchell Cypress. Seminoles Clarence and Bonnie Johnson from Holdenville Oklahoma and Velma Coker and Nora Tigerdeer from Wewoka Oklahoma.
The Johnson’s enjoyed classes about eating disorders and honesty in relationships. They said it was nice to see how happy and friendly the Seminole families were at the Wellness Conference.
Velma Coker and Nora Tigerdeer said that they were thankful to have the opportunity to participate in the Wellness Conference. Both are from the Seminole Nation in Oklahoma hold prestigious jobs in their community of Wewoka.
The women said they were proud to see the Florida Seminole tribal officials care so much about their tribal members by hosting a positive wellness conference, with interactive and supportive workshops.
They mention one favorite of theirs was the live stage performance of young Seminoles telling a story about two men in jail for drugs and how their lives turn out in recovery or not in recovery.
Velma and Nora are taking home valuable information they learned about grieving, depression and learning to let go to their community.
Healing classes covered at the Wellness Conference were: Grief, Healing the Inner Child, Victims of Sexual Assault, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Depression, Babies Having Babies, Loneliness, Managing your Money Wisely, Eating Disorders, Anger management, Compulsive Gambling, Domestic Violence and Honesty in Relationship.
Special thanks to the Wellness Conference host Helene Buster and speakers:
Chairman Mitchell Cypress, Marlin Farley, Rick Benson, Steve Bruggee, Denise Alley, Lester Brown, Larry Long, Jerry Moe, Nery Mejicano, Marla Dale, Mary Olitzky, Sam Dawes, Pearl Kent, Ellen Daley, Kay Perrin, Dr. William Polonski, Mark Billie, Mike S. Ralph B, Allied Health Suzanne Davis, and personal testimonies by guest speakers Janice B., Ethel H., Samuel T., and Anna P.
The Wellness Conference brought about a sea of emotions running deep into everyone’s soul, bringing warm positive energy to everyone that participated.
The Wellness Conference was sponsored by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
| Home · History · Culture · Tourism & Enterprises · Government · Services · Employment |
Copyright © MMIV Seminole Tribe of Florida
6300 Stirling Road
Hollywood, Florida 33024
Phone: (800) 683-7800
URL:
All questions/comments: tribune@semtribe.com
Webmaster: webadmin@semtribe.com
Web site maintained by Seminole Tribe of Florida