WIKWEMIKONG—There are a group of entirely preventable birth defects that continue to wreak havoc in society and although the battle against Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) has made a lot of progress, there is still a long way to go. The FASD Awareness Day entertainment showcase hosted at Thunderbird Park by the Wikwemikong Health Centre’s Children’s Services (Naandwechige-Gamig) harnessed the musical talents of a number of Anishinabe rising stars to shine light on the issue in an innovative September 9 event.

The free event followed the unveiling of a new high visibility FASD billboard on Wikwemikong Way whose winning design entry was created by Kira Dowdall. Ms. Dowdall used what she has learned about FASD during her high school years from presentations at conferences and displays to graphically depict what she thought being afflicted with FASD must be like. Ms. Dowdall is currently studying animation at Sault College. Runner ups in the billboard contest were Alissa Flamand, who came second, and Gordon Wemigwans, who came third.

The information campaign focusses on the importance of complete abstinence from alcohol in the critical first three weeks of conception, which presents some key challenges.

“If you are trying to become pregnant, it is really important,” said Judy Black, program manager of the Children’s Services Department. But it is also important to steer clear of alcohol throughout the pregnancy and beyond, which runs counter to the old medical advice that many health professionals grew up on. “It’s true, we used to advise half a beer a day,” she noted, but that advice has proven to be complete anathema with what is known about FASD today.

The FASD Awareness Day Entertainment Showcase was coordinated by FASD events coordinator Shanna Peltier, for whom the event was the culmination of her position. Throughout the evening, which ran from 6 pm to 9 pm, speakers such as Wikwemikong Health Centre director Mary Jo Wabuno, Amanda Mishibinijima, FASD worker in the high school and Anna Kaboni, Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Worker delivered messages between musical acts.

The acts themselves were outstanding, beginning with Brittany Manitowabi, who was later joined onstage by JW Stevens. Pat Peltier brought his musical stylings accompanied by friends and Leah Belle closed out the individual performances.

Headliners were the incredible Metis jigging trio Sagkaang’s Finest, whose intricate footwork and enthusiasm earned them the title of ‘Most Improved’ and ‘Biggest Risk Taker’ from the Canada’s Got Talent judges. In addition to winning prizes from across Turtle Island, the trio have been honoured by the Province of Manitoba with the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, making them among the youngest to ever receive the honour. The Order of the Buffalo Hunt recognizes “outstanding and distinctive contributions to the life of Manitoba.”

The Thunderbird Park grounds were filled with an appreciative audience that spanned generations and provided an opportunity to not only get the message on FASD awareness out in the community, but showcased some of the finest Anishinabe talent in the North.