Conference focuses on topics important to youth

What is important to today’s youth? What issues are they discussing? What makes them stand up and take notice?
The 12th annual Spirit Seekers Youth Conference will answer some of those questions.

“Acceptance of life” is the theme chosen by the youth advisory committee of 10-12 youth, who planned the conference, which is hosted by the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre in partnership with the Grande Prairie Regional College. GPRC has funded the venue and community sponsors have donated a majority of the funding.

“This is an extremely important conference for the youth. They get to gain knowledge about Aboriginal culture in different fields and network with other Aboriginal youth throughout the country,” said Delaine Lambert-English, cultural connections for Aboriginal youth coordinator.

Youth will engage in discussion about things that matter: about being gay, about discrimination, about making a difference.

Special guest speakers include Jan and Jack Cooper, who have years of musical experience and are delivering “The Joy of Singing;” Adiyo Rao speaking on “Human rights and discrimination;” artist Aaron Paquette on “Art Therapy;” Warren Winnipeg on “Embrace being Two-Spiritied;” and Faris Atkinson “Living an Impression – What I do Matters.”

The keynote address will be delivered by Nelson Mayer, executive director of the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association. Mayer has been awarded the status of “honourary youth.”

Lambert-English, a friendship centre youth herself who also attended a prior conference as a participant, said the conference brings Aboriginal youth together to network and gain knowledge.

The event takes place on March 11-12. There are many activities planned for the youth over the two days, with the opening ceremonies on Friday evening and open to the public. The night will consist of dancing and entertainment by youth and cultural artists.

There are 200 seats available to youth ages 12-19.

Lambert-English said last year the event was almost filled to capacity. Youth delegates from north and central Alberta, northern Saskatchewan to northern B.C and the North West Territories attended and participated.

The conference also connects the youth to programming aimed at youth, cultural resources and support.

There are two Elders attending the conference to support the youth at all times and attempt to bridge the gap that sometimes exists between youth and Elders, said Lambert-English.

The youth get to learn from Aboriginal role models, which ignites positive involvement in their home community, said Lambert-English.