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First Nation schools - Community Resource Process for Native Recovery |
 Jody Tetreau, Teacher
Hazelton Secondary School,
Hazelton, British Columbia
"After Scott's Keynote Assembly, we had 30 students begin the program and each and every one of them took something away from it even if they did not complete the sessions. This is an amazing feat in a low socio-economical First Nations community where suicide issues run rampant.
Our students spoke about the value of learning how to set realistic goals, the power of drinking water and that they had more control over themselves. Along with more personal accomplishments our student also learned:
- How to meet new people and interact with them appropriately
- How to make commitments to each other
- That the power of our words and commitment are important
- There are consequences for behavior (even in the assembly Scott held them accountable if they talked, without putting them down)
- This isn't about them personally, it's about their behavior
- About drugs and drug use
- How the power of your own life choices can change you, and you can change.
This program made a difference in the lives of every one involved no matter their addiction.
For example, for the first time, at least two students began to come to school with a water bottle with them every day. This could be seen as small change but for someone that consumed only pop this was significant. Two other students began to incorporate goal setting into their daily lives and vocabulary.
One very noticeable change was with a young man who had a serious problem with authority figures. He actually attended every follow-up meeting we had. He also developed a good personable relationship with me as a fellow group member, and as an equal, that had a positive effect on our classroom relationship.
He picked up his grade and passed my class with a decent mark. When I asked him afterward about the change he said that he learned that the authority figures will always be there and it's his choice as to how to deal with them. He has the power to change, he has the power to agree or disagree with their requests. HE has the power, not them. This was a huge step forward for him.
There were also measurable changes in all three of my student buddies. One buddy apologized to an old friend living in the next town over and now spends time with that person again having fun and being a teen. My partner is also still exceeding his goal of learning rudimentary drumming patterns every day and is on his way to being a fantastic drummer.
My second partner wanted to sing more because it made her happy and so purchased a karaoke machine and sings every day and feels great. This partner was shy and withdrawn and stopped participating in the group the next day but she still sought out her happiness and worked the program independently.
My third partner is the largest change. He wanted to quit the addiction of putting every one else around him before himself (he offered this information to me). He is 16 with a one year old child and has rekindled his relationship with his child's mother in a healthy, respectful way putting his needs before those of his other friends. This relationship had been clearly recognized as being toxic and one-sided. He has changed that and seems very happy now.
The program does not only influence the lives of these resilient young teenagers now but it also affects their futures. Every child that participated in the program all the way to the end was affected and profoundly changed in some way."
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Opal Charters, District Principal
First Nation Education,
Merritt, British Columbia
"We were delighted that we were able to bring Scott's program to our school.
He really held those young people's attention all day - they got the message loud and clear. And I'm so glad he emphasized that there is nothing wrong with us - that it's our interpretation of life that paints how we see our life and our future.
Scott made us realize the fallacy of our story of being worthless, unwanted, stupid, dumb, weak, spoiled, unworthy, or a loser. He gave us the power to whitewash the tainted picture away.
The most powerful part of the program was about taking small, manageable steps that mean we can be successful. Scott gave these young people the chance and the ability to create a future that is vibrant and clear, free from guilt and full of hope.
I've since been promoted to another school and, with luck, I will be able to bring Scott in for my new students in the coming year. Thank you Scott for making this incredible program available to us!"
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