There’s a good reason why drugs and alcohol are always prohibited the annual Pow Wow held this time of year in Manteca.

Host Three Rivers Indian Lodge at 13505 Union Road is CARF – Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation – accredited, making it a recovery center for traditional, urban American Indian battling alcoholism or substance abuse.

Founded in 1974, Three Rivers via Native Directions Inc. administers and extends treatment services for those individuals in need of finding a point of new beginnings.

Native Direction provides these services through sensitivity and diversity for positive life changes, by healing, and empowering.

“We strive to promote pride, balance, and independence for the Native American people,” according to the Mission Statement.

Treatment services involve a 90-day community alcoholism treatment center followed by a 90-day treatment and recovery phase for “those with a strong desire and commitment for change may continue residential care for an additional 90 days,” said those at Three Rivers.

Three Rivers has a third phase for the treatment services – A transitional house uniquely American Indian where the individual is required to continue the recovery process where they will be given more time in recovery in order to focus more consistently on life changes.

Of the latter, Three Rivers website (www.nativedirection.org said: “This program and environment is culturally relevant to American Indians where walking the Red Road is a path to empowerment and balance – where cultural beliefs and traditions are utilized in their continued quest for sobriety.”

During this weekend’s 41st Annual Pow Wow, Three Rivers will share its grounds with campers on a first come, first serve basis.

The front-lawn space is limited. Cost is a $10 donation, which will go to Three Rivers Indian Lodge / New Directions.

The Pow Wow is also free, but donations will also be accepted here to go towards the treatment center, Three Rivers office assistant Chrystal Gallegos said.