Twelfth Annual Seminole Wellness Conference

By Judy Weeks

MARCO ISLAND, FL — The Seminole Tribe wants everyone to be of sound mind, body and soul. To this end they have set up numerous departments and are sponsoring both clinics and conferences. The 12th Annual Seminole Wellness Conference on Marco Island incorporated many of these programs into a week full of opportunities. Participants in this very important event began arriving at the Marco Island Hilton on July 17.

Coordination of this enormous task was placed in the very capable hands of Helene Buster and a committee of individuals dedicated to its success. Project planning began in January, with first weekly, and finally, daily meetings as each intricate piece of the puzzle slowly came together.

“It was quickly established that each meeting must accomplish an objective regardless of the members present. Decisions were made, plans correlated and tasks assigned as we moved forward. The committee grew into a small dedicated army, each making a vital contribution to this conference,” said Buster.

“In an effort to thank all of these wonderful people, I fear that I am going to forget someone, and it will probably be those who have acted as my right arm these many long months. If this is the case, I ask you to please forgive me,” apologized Buster in advance.

She thanked: Andy Buster, Mitchell Cypress, David Cypress, Mark Billie, Edna McDuffie, Candy Cypress, Sheila Vevineau, Vera Herrera, Kathy Cypress, Codene Jumper, Mary Jene Koenes, Yvonne Courtney, Suzanne Davis, Connie Whidden, Basil Phillips, Jeanette Cypress, Ralph Billie, Debra Ray, Rick Benson, Timi Bearden, Carol Cypress, Eric Bricker, Jodie and Ray King.

INTRODUCTION AND OPENING REMARKS

Following a sunrise morning walk on the beach and breakfast, participants gathered in the main conference room for the opening ceremonies on July 18. Taking center stage, a parade of individuals came forth to offer welcoming remarks.

Taking the lead, President Moses Osceola said, “It is good to take care of the body, but it is equally important to care for the soul. By attending here today, I can see you are taking a step in that direction.”

Harry Billie said, “I love the guitar. Music is a great relaxer, but nothing cares for the individual like the love and understanding of family, friends and our creator. When you put this combination together, you can win the battle of daily temptations.”

Hollywood Council Representative Max B Osceola Jr. remarked, “Caring for ourselves requires healthy choices, food and physical or athletic awareness. Individuals make families and the tribe is one big family. We are all related to each other somehow. When one person hurts, the whole Tribe hurts. As you change for the better, the Tribe becomes healthier.”

“Pat yourself on the back for being here. Take advantage of this opportunity and take it home with you. What you acquire here can make a positive difference for years to come,” said Brighton Representative Andrew Bowers.

Rushing into the room laughing, Chairman Mitchell Cypress stepped forward, “We all have come here for a reason and I think mine is to work on being on time. Seriously, we are here for one reason–to get help. Every one of us have a problem–if not, you are not on this earth.”

Continuing, Cypress said, “Growing up, I always followed three men, Andy Buster, Joe Billie and Harry Billie. I looked up to them and guess what, they are all here today.”

“I have had 21 years of recovery and in order to do it, I had to learn one important lesson–we have to take care of ourselves,” admitted Hollywood Board Representative Gloria Wilson. “Starting at 18 and quitting at 26, I had a real problem. I couldn’t remember those years! You have to understand what is important to you, take care of yourself and then you can accomplish helping others. Tribal leaders have made a commitment to you. I pray every morning and you have my support.”

“I was just in the fitness room watching them exercise and thinking about the effort it takes to care for yourself. That is the foundation for success in recovery. Taking care of yourself, body and soul,” said Big Cypress Representative David Cypress. “You all know that when I was out there, I was way, way out there. Then lightning struck and I said, ‘Take me home.’ They did and said, ‘We’ll be back in about 6 hours to pick you up.’ I told them not to bother and here I stand nine years later and I’m still clean.”

“When they’re using everyone wants to talk to you. Don’t turn them away. It could be their last day on earth. Show compassion because you might help shape their tomorrow,” Cypress concluded.

Big Cypress Board Representative Paul Bowers chuckled, “I see a few empty chairs. That tells me that we are not in a bar or a lounge. I have been sober for eleven years. Enjoy yourself here, learn something and take it home to share with others. Perhaps, we’ll see them here next year.”

Seminole Trail Liaison William Osceola confessed, “For me it’s been seven years since rehab. Before that, it was drink, smoke and go to town. I did everything but shoot-up. It’s a battle and you can win it by being honest. Focus on what is good in you. Don’t throw your life in a trash can! My old friends would come by and say ‘What happened to you?’ Treating me like an old broken down car, they said, ‘Did you put yourself up on cinder blocks?’ I replied, ‘I guess I did. It was time to rebuild.’ ”

“I spied Elaine Aguilar at 4-H and slipped away to hide in a car. I didn’t want to face her or the lecture that I had coming. Just when I thought it was safe, she walked up and said, ‘Hey there!’ Sheepishly, I blurted out, ‘I got one year clean!’ To my surprise, she replied, ‘That’s good and before you know it, you’ll have two and then three.’ That’s what recovery is all about. Love yourself and support each other.”

Osceola concluded, “My first year here, I was drinking and got sent home. I’ve been to conferences about many things, but this is the one I need to attend. My message is ‘Don’t be overwhelmed. There is Zero Tolerance!’ If you sneak off to drink in your room and don’t get caught, you will know about it. You can lie to everyone else, but sooner or later, you must face yourself.”

CHANGING THE FAMILY LEGACY

Coming all the way from the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California, Jerry Moe gave a very informative presentation on the family diseases known as alcohol, drug and child abuse. As the National Director of Children’s Programs at the Center, he has an extensive background in public speaking and quickly captivated his audience.

He began with an old Iroquois proverb, “The actions I take today, impact the next seven generations.” Expanding on this thought, he explained how alcoholism, drug addiction, and child abuse can run in families for several generations, but it is never too late to break the cycle. The effect these diseases have upon a child’s self esteem and ability to cope with reality set the stage for the next dysfunctional generation. Many of them place the blame on themselves for their parents’ actions and can’t forgive themselves for what they feel they have caused.”

Drawing on his own personal experiences in a dysfunctional family and being a recovered alcoholic, his audience can connect with him.

“We are on this earth to love and if we fail to love ourselves, we will find it hard to nurture our children. Without this love they cannot thrive. They develop with a hole in their spirit, which they are drawn to fill with alcohol, drugs or an aggressive behavior and the vicious circle continues. There are never enough substitutes for the loss they feel and they can’t be set free until they deal with their problems,” said Moe.

“Recovery means going back to what we had. My parents never had it so they couldn’t give it to me. Discovery came with sobriety. We need to figure out our gifts, forgive ourselves and others in order to stay sober. You can’t carry around too much baggage because it will get in the way of recovery,” he concluded.

GRIEF

Barbara Aragon and John Bird are two Native Americans, who have dedicated their lives to helping people find their inner spirit, deal with their feelings and accept their natural emotions. Through legends about the Creator, the sweat lodge, medicine bundles and prayer, they helped their listeners discover their emotions.

Grief is an emotion not necessarily associated with death. Grieving comes in many forms because of choices made. Local disaster, divorce, loss of security, feelings of pain, anger, loss or change can evoke this emotion. You must learn to deal with these things in order to live a healthy life. Allow time to grieve and repair your inner-self.

Don’t be afraid to show your inner feelings, look for the source and pray for relief. Helping and supporting each other on this journey gives us second chances. We all make mistakes.

12 STEPS

Ed Arenado is a counselor at the Miccosukee Rehab facility. Addressing the conference on the first day, he introduced the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and explained each one in detail.

Arenado emphasized making peace with your creator and yourself is the best starting point. As you make the journey to recovery, you should not be afraid to reach out to others who have gone before you. Don’t return to your friends who share the same problems.

“Being honest with yourself will help you learn self-control. Making peace with others and making amends for your transgressions will open doors to your future. Seeking the awareness of your creator can bring spiritual awakening and harmony into your life. Support each other!” he said.

LETTING GO OF JUDGMENTS AND CONFLICT

Denise Alley used pamphlets, worksheets, breathing techniques and positive thinking to teach methods of dealing with conflict, anger and stress. Louise Osceola and Ray King performed a short skit at the beginning of the session to set an example.

Conflict can be constructive or destructive, depending upon the circumstances and how we deal with them. Alley provided suggestions for recognizing and dealing with issues.

Handling angry people as well as controlling your own anger proved to be a very beneficial topic to which everyone could relate. Learning self-awareness and recognizing what causes your irritation can help you deal with frustration and stress. Negativity and fear can be controlled by positive energy and attitude.

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Seminole Family Services Mental Health Counselor Basil Phillips grabbed the audience’s attention by beginning his presentation with a song whose words reflected feelings that we have all had at some time or another. “Done so many things wrong–Don’t know if I can do right.”

Using his own background and family as an example, Phillips drew on his own experiences to connect with his listeners. Drawn into juvenile delinquency, he was rescued by a counselor who saw his potential.

“She saw something in me and said, ‘If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.’ She gave me the inspiration to look for my own identity,” he said. “Your ethnic background has placed you under similar circumstances. There were Seminole wars, genocide, no truce, no treaty and no surrender with years of bitter struggle. Still fighting today, you face the drug war of the minds.”

“You come from strong blood. Your ancestors were too busy fighting to get high and now you need to enter the fight,” he added.

“Warriors are individuals with discipline and self-esteem. Don’t let addiction steal these qualities from you.” said Phillips before reading “A Dope Fiend’s 23rd Psalm.”

When making relationships, be true to your values, take care of your needs, be assertive not aggressive, respect yourself and don’t put up with a lack of respect from others. Phillips spent a great deal of time on what to look for when forming romantic relation- ships. A relationship can’t be healthier than the people in it.

With the clever use of history and storytelling, he drove his point home and energized his audience. In conclusion, he played Bill Withers’ song “Lean on Me” and read “The Fight–Rounds 1 Through 11.”

DIABETES

Native American Duane Mackey is the assistant professor of alcohol and drug abuse studies at the University of South Dakota. He was invited to the conference to tackle a very difficult subject–diabetes.

“Diabetes is a chronic disease which afflicts a vast number of our people. With proper choices, in most cases it is manageable. I speak from experience. With high fat and salty food, I ate my way to heart surgery.

The two most prevalent types of diabetes are: type 1, juvenile diabetes, Insulin requiring and type 2, gestational diabetes, eight out of 10 being overweight or obese.

In the first type we have to learn to control our blood sugar, balance our diet, regulate our medications and exercise regularly. Type 2 is more common than ever among Native Americans and Alaskans. Becoming inactive and overweight as a teen can put you at risk for this type. Stay healthy and have fun by keeping active to reduce your risk.

Diabetes is epidemic among our people and is closely reaching two-thirds of the adult population. These are the risk factors: over eating, sedimentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol, stress, poverty, low self-esteem, social isolation, personal trauma, family genetics, and reinforcement of an unhealthy lifestyle by your family and community. You have many fine Tribal programs to help you combat the above and fitness facilities are available in each of your communities.

Don’t let diabetes take over your life, eyesight, limbs, kidney function, teeth, sexual function and impotence among males. Empower yourself to not only live a better life but to live. Complications from this horrible disease can be fatal.

Find out what spikes your blood sugar levels, avoid fast foods and impulse items at the store. If you crave sweets there is too much salt in your diet and in reverse, too much sweets can make you crave salt. Develop self-discipline, de-program, detoxification, and by all means, seek assistance. The best prevention is pre-diabetic identification and then taking appropriate action. Remember, while unhealthy choices will get you there, alcohol abuse is the fast track to diabetes.

GAMBLING

Rick Benson brought a panel of people from the Gamblers Anonymous Center in Mariana. As a director of the recovery center he stated, “I am not anti-gambling; don’t believe in shutting down all bars, liquor stores and casinos. Ninety percent of these activities are under control, recreational only and people have a right to do them. We like to say, ‘What we can feel, we can heal’. While in recovery, there is a 40–50 percent chance of re-addiction.”

Problem gambling is when it begins to affect your lifestyle, family, finances and may even progress to illegal activity. If you are working in the industry, you think you know all the angles and are more likely to become addicted. In gambling addiction, money is the drug that gets you high. Addicts lie but gamblers lie a lot. They should wear a sign that says “Busted, Disgusted and Not to be Trusted.”

The panel of five members were all in recovery and came from a variety of back grounds. Telling their stories, it was incredible to see where they had been, what they had done, how much they had risked and lost. There are two important things to remember: you are not a bad person, but rather a good person with a bad disease and abstinence is good but recovery is better.

OUR PARENTS, OUR CHILDREN

During this session Jerry Moe returned to discuss our relationships with our children and our parents. Having lectured all across the U.S. and some foreign countries, he has a wealth of stories to tell, which make it easy to comprehend his message. He is very interesting to listen to and speaks on a level adequate for all ages.

Beginning his dialogue, he said, “There are seven wonders of the world–to see, hear, touch, taste, feel, love and experience the presence of God. We suffer from a ‘time poverty.’ There is never enough time to go around and as we spread ourselves out thin our children are the first to be neglected. Once a week set aside 60 minutes for each of your children. Don’t plan anything and don’t spend any money. Let the kids plan it. This is not about buying your children, it is getting to know each other and sharing yourself with them.”

“Talk while you’re in the car. Share their experiences. Let them have a voice. They are living their own lives, traveling their own roads, but need your guidance to get to their destinations. Have family nights that everyone must attend. Try eating together and sharing conversation. Try a once a week family meeting that never lasts more than 20 minutes.”

Everybody gets a minute to speak and only ‘I’ statements, no tattle tails. This isn’t the CIA. It is up to you to teach your kids respect, no lies, honesty and responsibility. It is up to you to give your children a foundation on which to build. You can teach an old dog new tricks, but I would rather work with a puppy,” said Moe.

“This is the only conference I know where children are welcome. What a wonderful opportunity! Don’t tell them you love them, show them your love. If your children don’t live with you, I encourage frequent phone calls and letters. Keep them a part of your life.”

“The same applies to your parents. Keep in touch with them if at all possible. You may have had a storybook childhood, but if not, it is time to move on. In order to fulfill your life, you must deal with old issues, set them aside and move on. Forgiveness is even better for you than the other person. Forgive yourself. Remember that tomorrow will become today and today will become yesterday.” he confided.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

Developing communication skills through the colors of Mother Earth is Denise Alley’s method of personality profiling. Passing out a multiple choice test, each individual was asked to indicate how they would react under a certain set of circumstances. Test scores placed each person into a color category of either red, white, blue or yellow. The color then indicates certain personality traits that motivate you and your actions. For instance, Red is power,

Blue is intimacy, white is peace and yellow is fun. The chart then pointed out seven most common character strengths and an equal number of limitations.

Character, not personality, is the predominant factor in ultimately determining the quality of our lives. Our character is essentially anything we learn to think, feel or do that is initially unnatural and requires effort to develop. Character is reflected with the changes we make in our values and beliefs throughout our lives.

A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT

Speaker Clayton Small is a Northern Cheyenne with a smidgeon of Mexican and English blood. Coming from Spokane, Wash., he works with the National Suicide and Social programs for Native Americans.

“Does anyone know the ten most important words? They are Please, Thank You, I Love You and How May I Help You? What is crystal clear to you, may be mud to someone else. They may not have meant to offend you, however, that’s how you saw it at the time. If allowed to build up, hostility forms and violence is inappropriate at any level.”

With humor and imagination, Small delivered his message, “Relationships are sacred and holy. Listen to body language. Give your spouses independence without feeling threatened and insecure. Be a good listener without being judgmental. Courage, humility, and integrity produce wisdom.” Laughing, he concluded, “For you men, I have one piece of wisdom. Indian women can never be satisfied. Live with it.”

STDs

Members of Allied Health and the conference committee are to be commended on their wonderful presentation of such a sensitive issue as Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Helene Buster, Debra Ray, Jeanette Cypress and Mary Jene Koenes performed in a Skit designed to promote awareness. Joined by Health Educators Suzanne Davis, Brenda Bordogna, and Charlotte Porcaro, they demonstrated proper prevention techniques, methods of contraception and disease control through over the counter barriers.

The basic fact remains that sex is normal and a healthy part of our lives. Bearing this in mind, we must recognize that sexual issues will never go away and shouldn’t. Instead they should be handled in an educated and appropriate manner.

STDs are infections passed from person to person during sexual activity. The types of diseases and their consequences were discussed in great detail. The groups were divided between men and women in order to offer an opportunity for a more frank discussion.

Apparent symptoms were described, but it was pointed out that medical exams and lab tests are the only sure way to detect your physical condition. Proper methods of prevention and periodic medical exams will insure your continued good health and the safety of your partner and possible transmission of an infection to your unborn child.

WARNING SIGNS

Family Services Addictions Program Administrator Eric Bricker made the conference participants aware of the all too familiar signs of trouble. Being in recovery or a member of a dysfunctional family, the audience quickly recognized the tell-tale signs of over-indulgence, loss of control and addiction. He stressed intervention by family and friends immediately upon detecting suspected abuse before the situation becomes unmanageable.

General changes in overall attitude and withdrawal from responsibilities throws out a red flag that should be heeded. This is usually followed by abrupt changes in school or work attendance. Lack of accomplishment at work or a decline in grades accompanied by flare-ups or temper indicates serious changes and should be examined for cause.

Secretive behavior, frequently borrowing money, a deteriorating appearance and change of friends are all things that begin to affect the physical and mental aspects of the body and should not be treated lightly.

Alcohol is probably one of the most widely used drugs and is responsible for more deaths than all of the others. These deaths result from health deterioration, drunk driving, suicide and violence. People tend to disregard the occasional or recreational use of drugs as unimportant. Their strong addictive properties can take over before you realize it. If you find drug paraphernalia of any kind, you probably have identified a user and should begin to seek assistance.

The Tribal Family Services department has offices on all of the reservations and will offer immediate confidential help. The Seminole Police Department is available 24 hours a day in their effort to care for you and your community.

CODEPENDENCY

John Bird confided, “I was raised on the Blackfoot reservation. My parents were married for 62 years and had 10 children. They did their best with what they had and where they were, while being weekend alcoholics. One day my father said to me, ‘I raised 10 kids and none of them were easy, especially you.’ I never liked humble pie and I never gave up. I was determined to get out and make something of myself. You can do it too. Never give up! Everything is give and take. We want somebody out there to fix our families for us, but no one can do that but you. The change has to start somewhere and you could be that starting point. Don’t help to enable your family’s dysfunction.”

“Codependency means enabling or helping others to stay in their diseased state. As spouses, parents or children, we find ourselves helping them to avoid the consequences of their actions. Sometimes parents allow their children to become the one in charge and use them for caretakers as they avoid their own responsibilities. How many of you have been robbed of your childhood?”

“I was the first in my family to get sober and they laughed at me. I went to the opposite extreme from my parents. I had only one son and he was my guinea pig. I felt guilty because I worked all the time, so I gave him whatever I could to buy his forgiveness.

“My son, Nathan, got kicked out of school at 16 for smoking pot in the bathroom. For graduation, I gave him a Nissan Maxima. He wrecked it, went to jail and three years later I’m still paying for it. I will always be there but financially I need a divorce from my son.”

“His girlfriend has a job. I wish he did, but he is a good daddy. I was so busy taking care of others that I failed to take care of myself and recognize my son’s needs. I’ll bet some of you could share similar stories,” remarked Bird.

“A characteristic of overcoming this disease of codependency is being afraid of everyone, especially family. Once you get free, you are always being asked for help and you have to take care of yourself and let them fix their problems. You can’t be everyone’s savior. I was touched and moved by family intervention’s skit. The family was so typical and it was like looking into a mirror.”

“On some levels, I am afraid of my family and don’t trust them. I encourage you to be strong and make a commitment to yourself while loving others. They shouldn’t suck the life out of you, but rather learn to become responsible for themselves,” he concluded.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Barbara Aragon, a Laguna Pueblo and Crow, used wonderful Native American legends, stories and parables each time she addressed the conference. From an historical point of view, before European contact, Native men and women generally had equal status. Associating violence with power came with colonization and women and children soon became property.

Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive, abusive, controlling, or coercive behavior including physical, sexual, spiritual, emotional and psychological tactics. Physical violence is only one means of control. Finances, intimidation, isolation, threats and sexual abuse also play an important role.

Caught in the trap of domestic violence, people make excuses for the offender and keep going back, telling themselves that they can’t make it on their own. They say, ‘He doesn’t mean it. He needs me.’ Meanwhile, everyone in the family suffers.

Carol Cypress got up and pointed out, “In our culture, if you have trouble your family will not take you in—they say go back and fix it. This is the way it is and they accept it. Everyone pretends. If you say I don’t have to put up with this, you rock the community.”

Aragon offered hope by saying, “Leaving can be an expression of love. You struggle to make things work, but when things are the most hopeless, something steps in and you can realize a vision. If you have the strength to make changes, healing will empower you.

Adhere to the following steps: 1.Acceptance: It really happened. 2. Courage: To make a hero’s journey. 3. Healing: This is not for cowards. Forgive yourself and others. 4. Truth: We need to tell our stories. They will empower you and relieve stress. 5. Higher Power: God or Your Creator.

WHY ARE WE HERE?

The conference group was divided into men and women with Denise Alley and Basil Phillips each taking a group. Through group participation and round table conversation, it was determined that we each have our own agenda.

Some tips offered include: Learning how to visualize a healthy future with a sound mind, body and soul. Learn to not only trust but forgive yourself. Be willing to try change, like a gardener planting seeds and dreaming of what may grow from them. Have faith and know that your prayers will be answered one way or another. With the help of your God or Creator, you will be safe and protected from all harm. Recommit yourself to a healthy spiritual, physical, mental and emotional life. If you are carrying around any excess baggage, dispose of it and don’t let others unload theirs on you. Visualize a good healthy future.

All of these things represent Wellness and the reason for attending this conference. Basically, attending the conference offered hope of a new beginning.

BODY TOUR

Allied Health Manager Suzanne Davis addressed separate male and female groups concentrating on the special needs of both sexes. Eighty percent of all major illnesses are controllable and it is hoped that by familiarizing individuals with their medical necessities, they will all live longer, healthier lives.

Using a body diagram, Davis instructed the groups on basic health needs and recommended exams.

The men’s health checklist included a physical exam periodically, monitoring blood pressure, TB skin test every five years, and blood and urinalysis tests to screen for cholesterol, diabetes, kidney or thyroid dysfunction. Screening by electrocardiogram, rectal exam, PSA Blood testing, testosterone, chest X-ray and bone density can bring about early detection of many dangerous conditions. Cancer possibilities can be addressed with Hemoccult, Colorectal and self-exams. Sexually active adults should consider themselves at risk and screen for STDs.

Women are faced with nearly all of the above issues with the exception of testosterone screening and testicle lumps. In their circumstance, they should substitute self-breast exams, mammography and estrogen. In addition, female reproductive health is one of the most important areas and should be dealt with every one to three years with pap tests and pelvic exams.

Cancer, smoking, stress, cholesterol, blood sugar, stroke and heart attacks can be greatly reduced with healthy choices and exercise in addition to screening for early detection.

SEXUAL ABUSE

Sexual abuse is a very confidential topic and was addressed by both male and female groups. The men met with John Bird, while the women were monitored by Barbara Aragon.

Sexual Abuse is a violation of faith, body, mind and soul. It has nothing to do with intimacy or love. Conceived as the ultimate form of control, it spawns shame, lack of respect and betrayal as well as violence. The terrible sense of betrayal can leave scars for a lifetime.

As a parent, you have responsibilities to protect, be supportive, and set boundaries. Many questions arose during the discussion–If you press charges, how will it affect others? How will you be treated by the legal system? As a victim or perpetrator? How do you protect yourself and loved ones during healing?

Many of the women who had remained silent for the first few days of the conference, found their voices and expressed their feelings during this emotionally charged discussion. A Tribal senior tearfully confided how she and others were treated as children when the men returned from town drunk. She said it was the duty of the women to inform the children, both boys and girls, about the dirty old men.

“Through education, possibly you can prevent this horrible crime and save their fragile little souls. I ashamedly repressed what happened to me during my childhood, married and raised a family, but never was able to overcome the inner turmoil it caused. When I was approached inappropriately by a co-worker, it all came flooding back and I was overwhelmed. My heart was broken and my self-esteem shattered. I spent a long time trying to pick up the pieces,” she cried.

By her admission she empowered others and many spoke up, relating the traumas of being sexually traded for drugs, betrayed by their addicted parents and partners, and being made to believe that everything was their fault. The entire group became emotionally involved and supportive of each other.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

Mental Health Counselor Basil Phillips praised everyone for making this such a productive conference. “In the past few days, I have heard testimonies that were not only emotional but awe inspiring. You have reached down inside and touched each others souls giving relief to your own traumas and held up a mirror to others. The things that have gone on here will have a positive impact on everyone for a long time,” he said with conviction.

Phillips made good use of music to inspire and activate the senses and awareness. Reaching out to others, holding hands, touching, hugging, listening, feeling, offering hope by example, forgiveness and prayer are some of the most powerful tools we possess on our road to sobriety and healthy relationships.

“As Native Americans and Seminoles, you have a rich culture for which you can be proud. In your bodies flow the blood of warriors, who fought for your existence and never gave up. Even in death they have passed their strength on to you and it is your legacy to carry the torch to light the way for the next generations. Be proud and draw strength from your ancestors. Don’t let addiction steal your minds, never surrender. The war you are fighting today insures a future for the Seminole Tribe,” he declared.

“We are told ‘Don’t talk. Don’t trust. Don’t feel.’ They say this to keep you in hiding. By isolation, they