Recovering Seminoles Celebrate in Paradise

By Janice Billie

HONOLULU, HI — With a backdrop of beautiful blue waters and lush tropical mountain peaks a group of Seminoles in recovery attended the 31st Annual World Convention of Narcotics Anonymous on Sept. 1-4.

A journey of recovery from the disease of addiction can have many peaks and valleys. Traveling to one of the most beautiful places on earth to celebrate a new way of life was a notable peak for Andy Cypress, Allen McInturff, Samuel Osceola Jr., Janice Billie, Pernell Bert, Nadine Tommie, and Jody Clay King. Throughout the trip everyone continually expressed their gratitude and humility for this experience.

The convention schedule was from Sept. 1– 4, and was attended by more than 8,000 people from all over the globe. Aside from the main meetings and workshops other events of the convention included a luau, a jazz/ blues luncheon featuring David Sanborn, a comedy show with DL Hughley, and a Reggae concert featuring Ziggy Marley. This celebration of recovery was a huge testament to the saying “recovering addicts know how to have a good time.”

In between meetings, workshops and other convention activities the group took the time to be tourists, visiting Pearl Harbor and the famed North Shore of the island of Oahu.

The Seminole attendees represent a number of tribal citizens working an active program of recovery. Each one attested to the improved quality of their life since making a decision to make positive choices and changes in their lives.

Allen McInturff of Immokalee stated that since getting clean he has had the opportunity to travel to several Native American 12 step conventions in the U.S. He said surrendering and opting for treatment has given him one of his greatest gifts–being a positive and loving presence in the lives of his four children.

With more than a year in recovery Jody Clay King said, “The trip and experiences are great but being clean and meeting the requirements to be included on this trip are just as wonderful.”

Facilitating and encouraging physical and mental health among tribal citizens remains one of the Seminole Tribe’s top priorities. The commitment of this administration for a healthier community can be seen in the support of various programs, conferences, workshops and sponsorship of trips like this one.