Program with a message on opioids approved

A proposal for a student body assembly and concert focusing on opioid addiction, plus a dance, got approval from the school board to proceed Monday night.

Making the presentation were James Pakootas and Miah Bearcub, both telling their personal experiences with opioids, drugs ranging from morphine to many common painkillers to heroin.

Pakootas explained to the school board that the program was fully funded by the Colville Tribes. He cited his own battle with addiction, and Bearcub called attention to the fact that she lost both her parents in a tragic car crash.

The proposed assembly would feature the two as speakers at the assembly, and a concert featuring Lou Rodas (aka Lou Eram), an indigenous rapper of Guatemalan descent, followed by a dance the same night.

Pakootas said in his presentation that students will have a chance to experience a concert/dance setting geared toward substance abuse prevention, as well as learning that music, dancing, interacting with peers, and being inspired by artists on stage are all positive coping skills that can provide positive results.

Superintendent Paul Turner said the proposal falls right in line with some of the things that the district is trying to do, and in line with the national effort to deal with the ills of opioids.

Along with performer Rodas, disc jockey F3LON will appear and participate during the event.

Turner said the district will be working with Pakootas and Bearcub to set a date for the combination assembly, concert and dance.

Pakootas and Bearcub indicated that similar programs are being proposed for students in Omak, Inchelium and at the Keller Community Center.