SWOSU Indigenous Student Association Hosts Tradition Not Addiction Program

January 18, 2023

SWOSU Press Release

The Indigenous Student Association (ISA) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will be hosting the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes’ Tradition Not Addiction program. Christian Wassana, founder of the motivational movement, “I Am, I Can, I Will,” is the guest speaker for this event, as he has worked closely with the youth and young adults about drug and alcohol prevention, culture, mental health, and suicide prevention.

SWOSU ISA invites the SWOSU community and the public to attend this free event on Monday, Jan. 22 in the East Ballroom of the Memorial Student Center at 6 p.m.

This program, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is an organization dedicated to preventing underage drinking and nonuse of medical prescription drugs within the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal service area, covering 10 counties. The Tradition Not Addiction program is part of the Prevention Programs, which focuses on raising awareness of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety and works to prevent tobacco and vaping usage among Native youth. The program achieves these goals by providing culture classes, in-depth messaging within classrooms, and hosting outreach events in communities and schools.

The classes and activities offered by the Tradition Not Addiction program are not exclusive to Native youth; they are open to anyone and everyone. Over the past two months, the program has partnered with Christian Wassana, who has been actively involved in the program. Wassana has been instrumental in reaching over 1,200 students in Weatherford, Canton, Geary, Anadarko, and will soon be speaking at Calumet and Norman public schools.

Since November 2023, Wassana has addressed youth audiences, delivering powerful messages about staying away from drugs and alcohol, reconnecting with one’s cultural roots, and pursuing aspirations and dreams. His presentations emphasize the importance of realizing one’s purpose in life and the significance of seeking help when needed.

SWOSU looks forward to the positive impact that Christian Wassana and the Tradition Not Addiction program will bring to the university and the broader university, reinforcing a commitment to well-being and the promotion of a substance-free lifestyle.