Gino Odjick inspires youth

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First Nations youth in Williams Lake were encouraged and motivated by NHL player Gino Odjick at a recent Education and Unemployment Workshop. Tsi Del Del (Alexis Creek Indian Band), under the umbrella of the Tsilhqot'In National Government (TNG), organized the event held for the youth Jan. 22 and 23.

Odjick, on leave from the NHL, is a member of the Algonquin Nation at Maniwaki, Que. Originally drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 1990 he went on to play for the New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, and most recently the Montreal Canadians. He now lives in Musqueam, where he has purchased a golf course. Throughout his career with the NHL he has been actively involved as a role model and inspiration to Aboriginal youth, focusing on drug and alcohol issues.

Joe Alphonse, director of government services for the TNG, said that within any culture youth have obstacles to face.

"Role models are important because they create hope," he said. He explained that although a lot of youth in the area have watched Odjick playing hockey on TV, seeing him in person is different. "They see him joking around and hear his words of encouragement," Alphonse said. "In this case the fact that he came from the same background and environment they do, yet they can see that he made it to the top, is very influential. It helps the kids see light too."

Odjick said, "I basically like to explain my experience to the kids. How I was able to achieve my goals by being dedicated and treating my body right." He said there were challenges that had to be faced, such as being homesick and enduring the name-calling that he refers to as the "ugly part of sports." That aside,"If you believe in yourself and you are ready to do the hard work, then it is possible for anyone to do whatever he or she wants."

Alphonse thinks it is important for all communities to bring in role models from any race for the youth. "Role models can reach out to our young people and let them know that if they have it in them to dream they have it in them to succeed," he said, "Kids hear it from their parents all the time but when they hear it from someone else it may hit a new chord."

Odjick's visit to Williams Lake included a surprise for the all-Native Longhorns team, when he played two periods with them.

"It's not only the youth who are excited," Alphonse said. "It's not everyday we get a chance to meet an NHL player, regardless of what race. All the players are enthused about playing with him. Even the other team is excited."