Anti-drug activities to be highlighted at Rocky Boy

Several social service agencies on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation will be hosting a community bonfire Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot outside the KHEW radio station.

The bonfire is aimed at encouraging people to abstain from drug and alcohol use, to support those who are in recovery and to promote suicide prevention and HIV prevention efforts.

“It sends a message that families can do fun things and live a healthy lifestyle without drugs and alcohol,” said Mike Geboe, project coordinator with the Partnership for Safe and Healthy Choices, which is one of the event organizers.

Geboe said, since last year, organizers have tried to have three such bonfires a year, but this will be the first in the neighborhood by the reservation’s Bonneau Dam.

Stone Child College, the Office of Victim Services, the Chippewa Cree Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program and the tribe’s diabetes program are also helping with the festivities.

Trey’al Belgarde, a recent Rocky Boy High School graduate and motivational speaker, and Bryce Kirk, a recovery advocate with the Fort Belknap’s Aaniiih Nakoda anti-drug movement, will speak about the importance of recovery and healthy living.

Geboe said the diabetes program will be providing a free dinner of Subway sandwiches.

Aside from the bonfire, activities will include a bean bag toss, a balloon dart game, foot races and making s’mores.

Geboe said door prizes, which include outdoor supplies and cellphones, will be awarded every half hour.

“We want them to be healthy physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally,” Geboe said.