(October 20, 2023) — The Tuolumne Band of Mewuk Indians, in collaboration with Tribal TANF program, Indian Health Center, and Social Services program, have joined forces with the inspiring Mike Duncan and Albert Titman of the Native Dads Network to organize the Tuolumne Wellness Tour 2023. This event, set to take place at the Black Oak Casino Resort in Tuolumne, California, is a one-day conference designed to address the escalating opioid and fentanyl crisis that is devastating tribal communities.
The Tuolumne Wellness Tour 2023 is a unique initiative event that combines awareness, education, and cultural responses to tackle the opioid and fentanyl crisis. The conference aims to create a sacred space for opioid and fentanyl education, Narcan training, testimonials, workshops, traditional singing, and dancing, and more. The event is a response to the alarming rise in substance abuse, overdose, and death in Indian Country, a crisis that requires urgent attention and action.
The opioid and fentanyl crisis is a national emergency that has disproportionately affected tribal communities. The Tuolumne Wellness Tour 2023 is a significant step towards addressing awareness of this crisis. The conference will provide education on opioids and fentanyl, including their effects and the risks associated with their use. This education is crucial in preventing misuse and promoting safe practices.
The conference will also offer Narcan training. Narcan, or naloxone, is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. By providing this training, the conference will equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to an overdose situation, potentially saving lives.
Moreover, the conference will feature testimonials from individuals who have experienced the devastating effects of the opioid and fentanyl crisis. These personal stories will serve as powerful reminders of the human toll of the crisis and the urgent need for action.
The inclusion of traditional singing and dancing, workshops, and other cultural elements in the conference program is a unique aspect of the Tuolumne Wellness Tour 2023. These elements will serve to reinforce the cultural identity and resilience of the tribal communities, providing a source of strength and unity in the face of the crisis.
The Tuolumne Wellness Tour 2023 is a commendable initiative that combines education, training, personal testimonials, and cultural elements to address the opioid and fentanyl crisis in tribal communities. By creating a sacred space for learning, sharing, and cultural expression, the conference aims to empower these communities to respond effectively to the crisis. The collaboration between the Tuolumne Band of Mewuk Indians, entities and programs, and the Native Dads Network is a testament to the power of unity in addressing shared challenges. It is hoped that this conference will serve as a model for similar initiatives in other communities facing the opioid and fentanyl crisis.