The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council received a 4 million dollar federal grant to tackle substance abuse in tribes in Wisconsin. Director Carol Wright says the council is partnering with the state to address the rising issue of youth binge drinking and prescription drug abuse. Wright says they’ve identified 3 or 4 tribes with high need.
“…So we are looking at collaborating; theirs will be specifically prescription drug abuse. So we’ve got some crossover and we are working together so both of these grants for the next five years will be having an impact.”
Wright says the grant will work with the Lac Du Flambeau, Menomonee, La Courte and Bad River tribes to implement preventative measures. She says hiring prevention specialists and executing a data system for future prevention programs is crucial. However, she says developing culture specific programs will be the most beneficial.
“…So things like talking circles, sweat lodges. Activities that in the past, kept communities healthy. That we find a way for them to be recognized as activities that truly really do work for prevention in Native Communities.”
Wright says community assessments of the data collected will determine the progress of each tribe, and will show what areas of prevention need more work.
