Symposium explores justice issues in the north

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People of all ages and from across northern Saskatchewan had a chance to get together and discuss justice issues affecting their communities during the fifth annual Northern Justice Symposium held May 10 to 12 in Prince Albert.

A number of workshops were on the agenda for the symposium, providing information about projects designed to combat drug use, promote safer communities and assist victims of crime. One session looked at the government's response to the final report of the Commission on First Nations and Metis Peoples and Justice Reform, while others explored traditional Aboriginal approaches to justice.

"The purpose of the event is to bring people from the north together to tell them what's happening in regards to justice, corrections and public safety and dealing with all the different issues that the north faces," said Al Loke, CEO of New North, one of the sponsors of the annual symposium. Saskatchewan Justice, Saskatchewan Corrections and Public Safety, the RCMP and Emergency Preparedness Canada are also involved in putting the symposium together.

Each year's symposium is built around a specific focus, Loke said.

"Like last year, we had a drug awareness focus. This year was focused on the wants and needs of the youth."

About 70 youth took part in the symposium and at the end of the three days presented a list of areas they'd like to see worked on by organizations involved in justice issues in the north.

"We also had an Elders forum this year, which is the first time we've done that," Loke said. "And that worked out very well, too, allowing the Elders to talk amongst themselves and also come forward with some recommendations."

The symposium was well attended, with more than 400 people taking part.

"And it's really good. You've got all walks of life there. You've got youth at risk, you've got justice there, you've got judges there, you've got lawyers, you've got RCMP, you've got community leaders, you've got community residents. Basically a whole gamut of everything, along with health and education people. So it's really a good, diverse group to discuss the issues."

As part of the symposium, five exceptional youth were selected to receive a Northern Youth Award of Excellence. The awards were handed out on the opening day of the event.

Two young people, Chelsea Shatilla and Jordyn Burnouf, were recipients of awards in the academic achievement category.

Shatilla is from Buffalo Narrows. She maintained an average of 80 per cent or better throughout high school and completed her requirements for her Grade 12 diploma in January 2006, five months before the rest of her classmates. In September, Shatilla will begin a pre-pharmacy program in Fort McMurray, Alta. and is currently enrolled at Northlands College where she is taking math and physics classes in order to meet the requirements of the program. She is active in community activities and is currently president of the local youth committee.

Burnouf was born and raised in Ile a la Crosse and is currently enrolled in Grade 9 at Ile a la Crosse high school. During the 2004/2005 school year, she received the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Academic Excellence and continues to maintain a high average. She is involved in school sports and plays bass in a band with three of her cousins. Burnouf has been working with Elders to record and preserve oral histories, has taken part in the local cultural camp, is a regular presenter during the community's annual Metis cultural festival and is studying Michif. She is a member of her school's student representative council and is always ready to lend a hand with school and community functions.

The award in the athletic achievement category was presented to Lionel McKenzie Jr. of Cumberland House. McKenzie has been a middle long distance runner since he was six years old and trains every day. He has competed in a number of competitions and has regularly placed in the medal standings in hisage category. McKenzie has been chosen as a member of Team Saskatchewan and will be representing the province in the 2006 North American Indigenous Games in Denver, Colorado this summer, competing in the 800 metre and 1500 metre events. McKenzie also plays hockey, is an accomplished skier and has won prizes for his skills as a square dancer and jigger. He is also committed to his education, maintaining near perfect attendance and excellent grades.

The award in the community leaders category was presented to Chealsea Buffin of Ile a la Crosse. Buffin's teachers and fellow students at Rossignol high school selected her to present the school at the Forum for Young Canadians held in Ottawa in April. Her classmates also chose her to represent them on the schoo'ls student representative council. A member of the grad committee and leader of the school newsletter, Buffin takes a lead role when it comes to organizing school events and gets involved in community events as well.

The award in the arts and entertainment category was presented to Sherman Buck of Cumberland House. Buck speaks Cree fluently and, because of his language skills, was chosen to present the prayer in Cree over the intercom system at the start of each day at Charlebois school. When he was in Grade 8. Buck learned to play the guitar, another talent he is often called upon to share, singing and playing at school functions and community gatherings. He also had a chance to demonstrate his skills as an entertainer when he successfully emceed the school's Christmas concert.