Dreamcatcher conference fans the flames

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"Fanning the flame... nurturing knowledge and wisdom" was the theme of the 13th annual Dreamcatcher Aboriginal Youth Conference held at Grant MacEwan College City Centre campus from Oct. 14 to 16.

"I believe that's what it did for most; give them knowledge," said Carolynn Chartrand, the conference organizer. "Fanning the flame is encouraging them to move forward, and incorporating and gaining knowledge and wisdom that helps them to become wiser and how to deal with some of the issues in their community. And to help them find the resources from their Elders or celebrating their culture and embracing that."

With more than 78 presenters and 140 sessions to choose from, Chartrand hoped the students left the conference armed with more skills to tackle the challenges of their world.

"Hopefully we've empowered them some how and I think we do sometimes and I hope we do every time," said Chartrand. "Those who really involve themselves take home the most. If they are in there and they're participating and listening, then they walk away feeling really great because there's a lot of strong content."

Chartrand said the attendance this year was up by more than 100 registrants for a total of 1,700. With chaperones, presenters and Elders from across Canada, that brought the level of participation to 1,800.

Chartrand said she and the steering committee did a couple of things different this year. They brought the Much Music youth dance onto campus, and "that got some really great reviews." Chartrand said they also added more to the content.

"We had a lot of presenters that came in and they put a lot of work into their sessions," said Chartrand. "They are trying to adapt to the young audience and they are trying to give them something concrete, some tools that they can take home and practice."

Chartrand said that not only were they trying to bring into the sessions the teachings of the Aboriginal culture, an understanding and celebration of that culture, they also brought knowledge that would help the young people cope with everyday challenges. The conference hosted sessions on homosexuality, gang issues, crystal meth and safe sex. Chartrand said these sessions got "really great" reviews, particularly the session on self-defense for young girls.

Two 17 year olds from Kahkewistahaw, Sask. both agreed that having fun while learning was a lot better than sitting in a classroom and learning the same thing.

They attended the session by "Scotty the Hypnotist." More than 100 students joined Scott Ward on Saturday in a fun-filled interactive stage show.

The objective of this youth empowerment session was to help the participants build confidence and self-esteem to become successful in reaching their goals.

Ward also told the kids that he didn't want any negativity with regards to how people were going to act under hypnosis.

"The experience of hypnosis is so you can act silly without alcohol and drugs," said Ward.

Although this year's conference "went very well," Chartrand said, an event like this is not without its challenges, especially with the target age group of 13 to 17. Sometimes it was a behavioral problem that needed to be dealt with, and the goal was to keep things calm in the college setting.

She said enhancing the content level is something that they always look to do to keep things fresh and engaging each year.

"We are looking at what they want and we are always looking at how to get that feedback."

Aside from educating the youth about positive choices and providing them with resources, the conference also acted as a platform for youth to showcase their talents. Kiera Kolson, for example, stepped into the spotlight on Saturday during the lunch break to showcase her powerful singing capabilities. This 19-year-old from Yellowknife has been in the limelight since the age of four.

She performs in various talent shows and concerts and hosts workshops for youth. She also put out a five-song demo that was produced byRedd Rocc Records, a label dedicated to Native hip-hop. Redd Rocc operates out of Edmonton.

"Music is such a healing form of expression," said Kolson. "I think it's a gift to me and I just want to share it with others."

Although she is just starting to make a name for herself, Darren Brule, president, owner and executive director for Redd Rocc believes that Kolson has "a very good opportunity as a female Aboriginal artist to go far in this industry."

"She's a very positive individual," said Brule. "Some people use the term role model very loosely now-a-days, but I think that she's a very good role model."

Kolson hosted her first session called "Preserving our Past while Embracing Our Future" at Dreamcatchers on Saturday. Although she had a small group attend, Kolson said it gave the participants the chance to open up and talk about themselves.

"I gave instruction on the medicine wheel and the four parts and the different gifts that fall under the four parts," said Kolson. "I also talk to the youth about being proud of who you are as First Nations and to never let anybody bring you down."

Kolson said after the session was over, some students told her that they learned a little bit more about themselves and their culture. "Which made me feel good and to know that what I'm teaching is making a difference."