Next week, September 9th, is International FASD Awareness Day and there are numerous events happening across the province of Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness and educate others about the prevention of disabling conditions in children. This year, the Institute filled requests from over 35 groups for resources and their “FASD: Let’s talk about it” T-shirts. The Institute is sponsoring a one-week tour by Myles Himmelreich who will be appearing in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Mossbank, Prince Albert, and Swift Current.
Other activities that are happening across the province include:
Agency Chiefs Tribal Council (Big River, Pelican Lake and Witchekan)
Community members are invited to pancake breakfasts. Materials about alcohol and pregnancy will be on display and shared with those who would like information. There are poster contests for the younger children. Grade 3 students have colouring books on pregnancy.
Ahtahkakoop Health Center
Ahtahkakoop has planned an FASD Awareness walk which will include the school and community. T-shirts were ordered that have last year’s winning design (from a local contest) on them. A lunch will be provided at the Band Hall as they introduce the winners of their FASD poetry and art contest! On September 5, presentations about FASD will be made to students.
Athabasca Health Authority
Events are taking place in Black Lake, Fond du Lac, Stony Rapids, and Uranium City. Pancake breakfasts will be held at each of the primary schools. Some communities will hold walks and a candlelight vigil.
Creighton/Flin Flon
Creighton/ Flin Flon is bringing awareness about FASD to children and parents through:
- participating in story-time for pre-school children
- providing storybook about FASD for each child
- donating books to library about FASD
- holding myths and facts about FASD radio quiz with daily prizes
Gordon First Nation
Gordon First Nation has a speaker from the FASD Speakers’ Bureau.
Humboldt
Posters and information will be distributed around town for Awareness Day.
Kawakatoose
Kawakatoose has a guest speaker from FASD Speakers’ Bureau.
Moose Jaw FASD Regional Committee
Moose Jaw FASD Regional Committee is hosting two school presentations (Mossbank School, Moose Jaw Peacock Auditorium) with Myles Himmelreich.
Muskeg Lake
Muskeg Lake is having a display at kihiw waciston school on September 9 and ringing the bell at 9. They will have a display booth at noon to talk with kids.
North Battleford
The Regional FASD Committee is holding a high school hot dog/water promotion in parking lot, targeting high school students, to promote healthy lifestyles during pregnancy.
North Battleford Tribal Council
At Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre, they are having FASD Awareness Walkathons with the schools in the 6 communities they serve. Each walkathon participant will receive a bottle of water with a label that states Prevent FASD, 0-4-9. Kanaweymik ICFS Agency will also have a display at community BBQs they are having (Red Pheasant on September 9, and Moosomin September 17).
One Arrow First Nation
Prevention worker Nicole Fontaine will be guest speaker as well as a nurse and Linda Paintednose. They are serving lunch and having draws for t shirts.
Prince Albert
Prince Albert FASD Committee members have worked together to set up a mini-conference targeted at inter-professional capacity building and community awareness in Prince Albert. The FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan will present Principles and Practices in the morning. Myles Himmelreich will be a guest speaker in the afternoon.
Regina
In Regina, partner agencies have collected pledges for people to “Talk about FASD”. On September 9, they are gathering as a group to share the pledges. People will be wearing FASD Awareness t-shirts. Beverly Palibroda from the Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan (MACSI) will address the crowd to explain about September 9th and the pledges. There will be a walk to Aboriginal Family Services for a BBQ from noon to 1:00. There is also a media release and a digital sign message.
Saskatoon
MACSI is holding its 13th annual walk for FASD Awareness and lunch on September 9. Myles Himmelreich is a guest speaker at West Winds Primary Health Centre on September 8 at 11:00 a.m.
Swift Current
Myles Himmelreich is a guest speaker at the Safety Expo at the Cypress Hills Hospital on September 10. It will be broadcast on Telehealth so interested rural locations can partake in the presentation. A mini campaign is being held for Awareness Day. People will be taking “No Thanks I’m Pregnant” tent cards to local bars, lounges, and restaurants and baby stores.
Sunrise, Regina Qu’Appelle, and Sun Country Health Regions
Regional Kids-first is doing Mock-tails for Moms in different liquor stores in partnership with SK Liquor and Gaming, across 3 health regions. At each location they will have a table set up with 2 different types of MockTails along with promotional materials and recipe cards for people to take home.
For more ideas about FASD Day activities or to see what is happening around the world, visit FASDay.
Girls, Women, Alcohol, and Pregnancy 