Canoe Lake youth inspired by conference (Add your comment)

Posted By Kathy Gallant Progress Staff

Updated 1 year ago

Students at Canoe Lake Miksiw School were empowered by a youth conference last week, which ran from October 1-3. Shown, students serve elders their lunch. Photo by Kathy Gallant

‘Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.’

Three important phrases impacted students over the course of three important days last week at Canoe Lake Miksiw School.

The second annual youth conference ran from October 1-3, with several keynote speakers stopping by to spread the word of positivity and awareness around youth issues.

Geraldine Rediron, a teacher at the school said the conference is run by youth, for youth, and facilitated by the administration at the school.

“There is a committee of students - ranging in age from 11-18 - who hand picked which speakers would have the biggest impact on their peers,” she said.

“They based their decisions around the concept of the medicine wheel, which means they chose to promote emotional, physical and mental health. It’s great to see such initiative. They take complete ownership in organizing the conference, which in turn gives them a lot of pride.”

Rediron said the idea for the conference stemmed from tragedy within the community.

“A couple of years ago, we had a couple of young people in the community commit suicide,” she said.

“Students then decided to take their fate into their own hands and encourage their peers to choose healthy lifestyles. They turned adversity into opportunity.”

At this years conference, the steering committee chose to have a wide cross-section of speakers - community members, mentors and service groups.

“We had someone local come in and do a talk on addictions, for instance,” said Rediron.

“Another speaker, Amanda Welliver spoke about self-esteem issues and how to cope. Ted Nolan of NHL fame was on hand on Thursday to talk about being physically active and staying in school, and the imporantance of believing in yourself. Two of our RCMP members - Calvin Freeman and Jamie Coulinneur - talked about serving the community and keeping a positive attitude. Representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Meadow Lake also came to talk about risks of impaired driving, since we lost a student this spring.”

Some of the other activities during the three day conference included a mini powwow and round dance, a performance from Meadow Lake singer Jessie Wuttunee, a fireworks display and community suppers.

Rediron said another important aspect of the conference was having the involvement of the elders.

“There was an elders’ lounge,” she noted.

“They were also invited to participate in the various sessions and have their input as well. This was an important aspect to include, because the elders are our first teachers in our communties."

She said the feeling at the end of the conference was on abuzz with positivity and enthusiasm.

“Each student took something away from this conference,” Rediron noted.

“It meant something different to everyone, but everyone left feeling a similar feeling - empowered and encouraged for a bright future.”

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