Prior Lake, Minnesota - More than 550 participants attended this year's Living Strong Wellness Conference, July 23-24, 2007, at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. Registration was free for the conference which was held to increase awareness of the influence of lifestyle choices on the prevention and management of chronic illness both personally and for individual communities. Tribal members from American Indian communities across the Northern Plains as well as health care professionals attended.

Former SMSC Secretary/Treasurer Lori Watso was the MC for the event. SMSC Vice-Chairman Glynn Crooks gave the welcome for this year's conference. "This conference is being held to increase awareness and to discuss the choices that are available for the prevention and management of chronic illnesses that affect Indian people both personally and on individual Indian Communities throughout Indian Country," said Vice-Chairman Crooks. The Opening and Closing Prayers were by SMSC Dakota Language Instructor Glenn Wasicuna (Sioux Valley Dakota). The Mazakute drum group from Santee, Nebraska, sang.

Cecelia Fire Thunder, former President of the Oglala Sioux Nation, gave the keynote address on the first day of the conference. She spoke in both Lakota and English about overcoming the effects of colonization and how that oppression was internalized in Indian people and in Indian communities. Her focus was on understanding history and events of trauma, to encourage participants to take ownership of their own health, to get help or treatment if it is needed, and to look at the deeper issues stemming from a "broken world." She talked about the loss of culture, language, and ritual as critical to understanding how Indian communities became damaged. She said "Alcohol is not the problem. It is medication of choice. We're the problem. If you did your healing and understood the trauma and pain, you wouldn't need alcohol." She also encouraged the healing of mental, emotional, and spiritual pain so that the next generation will not grow up with early childhood trauma. She cited a study in 1987 by the University of California and the Indian Health Service which found that 85% of Indian women in treatment for drugs and alcohol were sexually abused as little girls.

"It's never too late to get help. It's okay to ask for help. You owe it to yourself to live in peace and without pain for the rest of your life," she said. "Take care of your bodies. What you put into them matters. How you move your body matters. Take ownership of your mind and body. You are the only one who can make yourself well. It's time to create a better future for those who are coming after us. When you start to strengthen your spirit, you will get well," said Fire Thunder.

Renowned Native American stand-up comedian Charlie Hill (Oneida) was the closing keynote speaker. He entertained participants while providing inspiration for them to take control of their health and wellness.

Other topics covered in the conference were merging ways of healing, nutrition, exercise, and motivation for change. Facilitated Talking Circles helped participants process the information they learned. Other presenters were Lorelei Decora, Dr. Ann Bullock, staff from the Nape Woapiye Holistic Center, Monte Fox, Dr. Cathy Breedon, Dr. David Perdue, John Christopherson, and Maria McCoy.

On the second day of the conference a morning walk was held at The Meadows at Mystic Lake Golf Course to honor the important role of exercise in maintaining good health. Participants had the option of walking a mile or half mile. More than 70 walkers participated.

"We were thrilled with the turnout this year for our conference," said SMSC Assistant Health Administrator Joanna Bryant. "Our participants seemed to enjoy the sessions. Our goal was for participants to come away with a better understanding of what they can do to improve their health, and I think they did that."

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