Fighting addiction

Michael McKay just wants to let First Nations youth know there is hope.

Through the first Raising Awareness Together Golf Tournament, McKay hopes to shed light on the growing prescription drug addiction problem in many First Nations communities.

“There is a big struggle right now in the communities and with the people with prescription drug abuse, especially with the young people,” said McKay, the tournament co-ordinator. “We just want to give them a chance, let them know people are thinking about them.”

The tournament was held Friday afternoon at the Fort William Country Club and more than 100 people came out to participate. All of the money raised will go to the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School Drug Treatment Program.

The program began this past school year as a way to deal with the many students addicted to prescription medications like oxycodone. 

Principal Jonathan Kakegamic said the first year of the program was successful but when students come to him with a problem it’s disheartening.

“You know they only tried once or twice just for fun and before you know it, they are addicted,” he said. “With these kids, I can’t expect them to be successful in life or even in a classroom when they are wondering when their next high is going to be.”

Watching them go through the program and try to quit is powerful, he said, adding he admires the strength of the youth that do try to get clean.

When Kakegamic heard about the Raising Awareness Together Golf Tournament, he was grateful.

“It’s time we start working together for our youth,” he said. “We need to stop working in isolation. Our youth is the future. I believe Dennis Franklin Cromarty is headed in the right direction. I’m overwhelmed by the support that is out there.”