About Us

The Okanogan Valley Winter Roundup is an annual event of Fellowship for men and women in recovery that promotes enthusiasm for living the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon and Alateen.

Although not an AA function, we adhere to the Steps and align with the traditions of AA and Al-Anon Family Groups. In keeping with the 7th Tradition, we are self-supporting through registration fees, raffle tickets and donations.

If your  interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@okanoganvalleyroundup.com or call Lisa at (206) 734-7107.

We asked Matilda S. “How did our Roundup begin?”

Thank you for asking 🙂   It started when we  (Cactus Jack, Barb W, Dave S, Laura, White girl Vickie, Hippy Kim and I) got back from one in Yakima.  We 7 went in a big van, and we were all excited and happy because most of us had never been to a roundup before.  Some of us said, “Aw, I wish we could have one,” and Cactus Jack said,  “We can and we are and you girls are going to be a big part of it.” Then we were like ‘aw shiet’ — we didn’t want to be responsible, but we couldn’t say no to Cactus Jack.

We had a lot of meetings and lots of old timers assigned themselves ways to help.  For years Henry and Plummer did coffee, Ed Ballou made and donated jewelry, and Mary baked cookies and sewed quilts… there was support from Canada, Westside, Methow, Wenatchee, Oroville, Tonasket, Colville, and Inchelium.

Omak Thursday Night Native American home group were mostly a big part of it, though.  That’s why we wanted Native speakers on Friday night — to get the message out to other Native Americans that there is a place to go and get help.

So our first roundup was at the Cedars Inn in Okanogan, and we had a live band and local speakers. We had local speakers for a long time.  We wanted to carry the message.

I am still involved and help at this roundup  because I still believe in carrying the message to Native Americans.  Unfortunately, I cannot be there this year, so please tell the old timers I said “Hi,” I know they will be looking.

Scenery photo credit:
David Lukas
methownaturenotes.com