iN PHOTOS: Dozens walk for sobriety in Kamloops

KAMLOOPS – Breaking down the stigma around substance addiction is still an important issue, says a Tk'emlups te Secwepemc wellness counsellor.

In partnership with several organizations, including Interior Health and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, daily events have been held all week to show support for National Addiction Awareness Week which ends today, Nov. 29.

"We want to break down the stigma around addiction," wellness counsellor Dave Manuel says.

He explains by bringing people together through events, it has a positive impact on people who may be struggling with an addiction.

"It doesn't matter what race, colour or how much money you have in the bank; if you have an addiction it's going to impact you," Manuel says. "So what we are trying to do is share support and have people express themselves in a good way."

Roughly 45 people gathered at Riverside Park to light candles and walk through downtown Kamloops. The walk ended at the Kamloops United Church where a short drumming ceremony took place.

"We want to change the way we look at addictions because it could be our neighbour, a family member or a co-worker. There's a lot of people struggling with addictions behind closed doors."

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