January 30, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
The Indigenous Student Association at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) announced the rescheduled date for hosting the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes’ Tradition Not Addiction program. Christian Wassana, actor and Director’s Assistant in Paramount Network’s “Yellowstone,” and founder of the motivational movement, “I Am, I Can, I Will,” will remain the guest speaker for this event. Wassana has played a pivotal role in addressing drug and alcohol prevention, culture, mental health, and suicide prevention among youth and young adults.
The SWOSU Indigenous Student Association invites the SWOSU community and the public to attend this free event, now scheduled for Monday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in the East Ballroom of the Memorial Student Center at 6 p.m. The rescheduling is due to inclement weather on the originally planned date.
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 and the Indigenous Student Association look 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.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
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