April 14, 2011 –
MAYETTA: The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s Alcohol & Drug Program is hosting a Community Wellness: Pathways to Healing Conference at the Prairie Band Casino & Resort. Several speakers are scheduled to speak on cultural healing and wellness in various breakout sessions throughout the two-day event.
Jeri Brunoe (left) is the keynote speaker for the conference and is seen with Tribal Chairman Steve Ortiz and Laverne Haag of the PBPN Alcohol & Drug program. Brunoe is from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Oregon and is a motivational speaker, actress and writer. Chairman Ortiz gave opening remarks at today’s conference and Haag is moderator for the conference.
John Pewamo, right, gave the invocation yesterday in his native language and is seen with Rose Hale, left, and Olivia Pewamo, center.
Mendy Thompson, behind the counter, helped register participants before the conference and is with the Alcohol & Drug Program. Other sponsors for the conference are the Prairie Band Casino & Resort, PBPN Tribal Council, Kansas Rural Law Enforcement Methamphetamine Initiative, State of Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services, PBPN Adult Services Program and the Native American Wellness Association.
One of the exercises at the conference was meeting new faces. The conference ends at 4 p.m. April 15.