Philosophy
N.A.C.M.'s programs embody a holistic concept of healing: Mind, Body and Spirit. N.A.C.M.'s programs have, at their heart, a spiritual view which suggests all things in life are related in a sacred manner, and are governed by natural laws.
The fundamental elements stressed are: "a belief in or knowledge of unseen powers FAITH, knowledge that all things in the universe are dependent on each other SHARING, and a belief that we must respect all creation KINDNESS, a personal commitment to be forthright in all our affairs HONESTY, and that personal worship reinforces the bond between an individual, the family, the community and the Great Spirit. Worship PRAYER is a personal commitment to the sources of Life."
The Program The Program consists of cultural practices. These meetings are geared to develop awareness of substance abuse, as well as recovery of the M/E/P/S aspect of one's life. List of topics include:
Self-esteem
Values and beliefs
Grief and loss
Prevention and recovery plan
History
A major impetus for the establishment of the Native Alcoholism Council of Manitoba was a tragic, alcohol-related accident which occurred on May 10, 1968 on Highway 59, just south of Brokenhead, MB. The accident claimed the lives of nine people. The lone survivor was confined to a wheelchair, and thirty-three children were left orphans.
The accident brought various Native people together to determine what could possibly be done to combat this massive alcohol problem. On November 18 and 19, 1971. After a two day conference in Winnipeg, the Native Alcoholism of Manitoba was formed as an organization. On February 21, 1972, with the help of a grand from the Local Initiative Program (LIP), ten employees were hired to conduct a survey. On March 1, 1972, N.A.C.M. set up its first office in a garage at 147 James Avenue. It was not until July 19, 1972, that the Native Alcoholism Council was officially incorporated under Bill 74. Its main purposes, as set out in the Bill, were to provide for, assist in, or arrange for the provision of:
Adequate counseling to the Native alcoholic.
Educational material in Native schools.
Dissemination of information respecting the recognition and treatment for the Native alcoholic.
A province wide alcoholism program that would endeavor to control and prevent alcoholism or problem drinking among Native and Metis communities.
When the LIP grant ran out in 1973, The Department of Health and Social Development footed the bills for Project Outreach. It was in 1973, as well, that N.A.C.M. acquired a house from the United Church at 456 Pritchard, and became the first treatment centre of its kind in Canada. The date of Pritchard House's operation was August 5, 1973. N.A.C.M. covered the province of Manitoba with energetic workers in such communities as Norway House, Easterville, Rossburn, Pegius, Fisher River, Little Black River, Brokenhead, Selkirk, Brandon Dauphin and Winnipeg. In fact, the agency has accommodated everyone in Canada.
It was not until 1975, that N.A.C.M. received funding from the Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program. Needless to say, N.A.C.M. faced many struggles during its infancy, while still striving to provide service to Native people. Lots of dedication and commitment was required by staff with very little pay. Staff were often disadvantaged with the low funding provided and they often went the extra mile to keep the organization in existence.
In 1984, another milestone was reached. N.A.C.M. acquired a newer and bigger building at 160 Salter Street. The relocation provided for more office space, recreational facilities for clientele, meeting rooms, larger rooms for rehab clientele and so on.
There is little doubt that the struggles experienced throughout the years has resulted in numerous benefits as well. There are literally thousands of Native people who have either gone through the Pritchard House Program or the Outreach Services provided. There are reports of many individuals who have gone on to make contributions to society, to government, to industry and other organizations. Some have become qualified counselors and social workers. Testimonials.
New initiatives and projects are being planned at the writing of this summarized history. Some of these initiatives have already been fulfilled. As one former worker put it, "Who would have known that sitting on a coke box, talking to another alcoholic would have led to such massive achievements? Who knows the exact figures for accidents prevented, for lives saved, for families reunited, for less jail costs and less crimes. And who knows the exact figures for the numerous Native people out there who are now living a life of contented sobriety?"
On February 2012, N.A.C.M., now known as the Native Addictions Council of Manitoba, celebrated 40 years of existence - sobering in itself. Please see the following link to see our 40th Anniversary celebration.
