In the Tłı̨chǫ region, National Addiction Awareness Week (NAAW) was a success. The week officially kicked off on November 19, 2023. After church, Behchokǫ̀ and Whati community members began the week with a NAAW March. Chief Jackson Lafferty participated in the walk-in Behchokǫ̀ and the feeding of the fire. Behchokǫ̀, Whatì, Gamètì, and Wekweeti organized events, including a community supper, Naloxone training sessions, sharing circles, and community lunches throughout the week. Students from Mezi Community School participated in Whatì's Feeding the Fire event on Friday, which included a drum dance.

 

The event wrapped up on Saturday with a community brunch, closing circle, and brief handgames. There were also sharing circles, visits from Elders, and school visits from community/knowledge keepers for Gamètì and Wekweètì. Community members were pleased that Tłı̨chǫ Government collaborated with the Friendship Centre and TCSA in delivering a fantastic experience throughout the week.