Bethel’s 3rd Walk for Life went of yesterday under mostly sunny skies and a light wind. We had over 40 runners and around 60 plus walkers. Father Chuck Petersen started things off with a smudging of sacred smoke and a prayer then Meghan Crow read a very inspirational poem written by one of the high school students. At that point the runners were off and the walkers followed immediately after. Everyone’s spirits were high and the energy was very upbeat.
We want to thank YKHC-MSPI for funding the t-shirts, Donna Bach and Allison McIntyre for the artistic work on both the t-shirts and the flyers, my wife Jeanette for putting together the fun run, all the kids that made posters, John Wallace for all his photo work, Meghan Crow for helping me organize this event, Father Petersen for his words, and lastly all the participants that made this event special. Special kudos to the Bethel Police Dept. for routing traffic and keeping everyone safe. There were many comments about how well they did their job.
Next year our goal is to have even more participants and to hopefully be joined by some of the other villages on the Delta with some simultaneous walks. Thanks again everyone.
The third annual Bethel Walk for Life will be held May 18th at 12:00 noon. The Walk will commence at the Cultural Center and finish at the small park accross the street from the Center. There will be a 5K fun run for those who like a faster pace. We have very cool t-shirts provided by YKHC, snacks and water. The walk is the day following high school graduation. We know that many people will be busy with graduation related gatherings and commitments but hope that out of town guests might come and join us for this important event. Total time frame should only be about an hour. Please come and show support for this event as we remember, hope, and share as a communitee. Details will be posted about town.
Drew’s Foundation is proud to be the founding sponsor for the Cama-i Festival Mr. Cama-i Man of the Year Award. From the Cama-i website:
In previous years, Mr. Cama-i was a male contestant in a Cultural Pageant. This year that concept was retired and replaced with a recognition award that annually will be chosen through a nomination process. Drew’s Foundation fully supports this effort to acknowledge strong male role models and their efforts within our region. This year’s awards were presented as follows:
Peter Kaiser:
In acknowledgement of participating in several State-wide events including, the Kuskokwim 300, the Norton Sound 450 and the Iditarod Trail Race, Peter Kaiser is hereby awarded this Award of Excellence. By bringing the message of Suicide Prevention and Awareness and Positive Life Choices to a Statewide audience, Pete did bring honor to himself, his family, and our YK-Delta Community.
Mike Williams Jr. :
In acknowledgement of participating in State-wide events including, the Kuskokwim 300,and the Iditarod Trail Race, Mike Williams Jr. is hereby awarded this Award of Excellence. By bringing the message of Suicide Prevention and Awareness and Positive Life Choices to a Statewide audience, Mike did bring honor to himself, his family, and our YK-Delta Community.
Steven Boney:
In acknowledgement of participating in a State-wide event, The Iron Dog Snowmachine Race, Steven Boney, as part of Team 19, is hereby awarded this Award of Excellence. By bringing the message of Suicide Prevention and Awareness with him to a Statewide audience, Steven did bring honor to himself, his family, and our YK-Delta Community.
Arthur “Gux” Laraux”:
In acknowledgement of participating in a State-wide event, The Iron Dog Snowmachine Race, Arthur “Gux” Laraux, as part of Team 19, is hereby awarded this Award of Excellence. By bringing the message of Suicide Prevention and Awareness with him to a Statewide audience, Gux did bring honor to himself, his family, and our YK-Delta Community.
Richie Diehl:
In acknowledgement of participating in State-wide events including, the Kuskokwim 300,and the Iditarod Trail Race, Richie Diehl is hereby awarded this Award of Excellence. By serving as a role model to those in his community and his region, by his dedication to his dream of running in the Iditarod, and after many years finishing his First Iditarod, Richie did bring honor to himself, his family, and our YK-Delta Community.
Mike Williams Sr. :
Mike Williams Sr. is hereby awarded the 2013 Mr. Cama-i Man of the Year award. Mike’s Mushing for Sobriety campaign that has taken him across the Region, the State, and the Nation, has brought great honor to himself, his family, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Region, and our State of Alaska. Mike has been a role model for many years to many young men across the State. His time, energy, and dedication to healthy life choices, community, and family will always set the mark of what Men should aspire to in their own lives. Thank You Mike Williams Sr.
Many names were added to the wall during the weekend…
Here are some photos from the room.
Friday evening the Memory Room made its second appearance at the Camai Dance Festival. The room was dedicated with a Native American Spiritual ceremony and then the room was opened. Names were placed on the wall almost immediately and that continued thru the evening. There were tears, smiles, hugs and handshakes. Emotion and spiritual energy were palpable. We look forward to two more days of Remembering those lost to Suicide. If your at the Festival please stop by. If you are somewhere else think of us and send prayers and energy to help continue this path of healing. Names and photos can be added to the wall by e-mailing info to obrienak69@gmail.com.
Mitauke oyasin.
Drew’s Foundation would like to thank Steven and Gux for carrying the Suicide is Never the Answer message during the recent Iron Dog race. Good job guys and hope to see you again next year.
