War Party raps good health to Beaver Lake youth

Page 2

They're young, energetic, and they pack a powerful message through dance, music and words.

War Party is a group of young Aboriginal rap dancers from Hobbema who tour Alberta to provide a message of healthy lifestyles to young men and women.

For five hours, War Party entertained and educated the youth at Beaver Lake First Nation's Maria Munro Hall on April 27.

The message was simple, said Beaver Lake's youth recreation worker Dwayne Lameman.

"They educate as well as entertain, and because all the members of War Party are between the ages of 19 and 22, they are really in tune with the young crowds they meet."

Topics mentioned during the night included alcohol and drug awareness as well as gang violence and self-esteem building.

By bringing in the War Party group, Lameman said Beaver Lake is stepping up its efforts to bring awareness programs to the youth of the area.

"It is a good opportunity for us to educate the youth while giving them a good, fun and high energy concert," he said.

The crowd was small--about 40 young people-but they were appreciative of the lyrics and rythmic beat of the backing percussion.

In past weeks, War Party has performed in Goodfish Lake, Morley and the Fort McMurray First Nation.

Lameman said feedback from those shows helped make the decision to welcome the group to Beaver Lake.

"Everybody that talks about them is really excited about what they are doing," he said.