Tomorrow's leaders gather

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More than 150 youth from around Saskatchewan descended on Fort Qu'Appelle Aug. 16, 17, and 18 for a conference on First Nations and Metis youth leadership issues.

Sponsored by the provincial association of friendship centers, the Aboriginal Youth Leadership Development Conference sought to prepare today's young people for tomorrow's challenges, said the conference's co-ordinator.

"The purpose of the conference is to increase Aboriginal involvement in areas such as politics, justice, social and cultural issues," said Ashley Norton, who is also the Regina Friendship Center's youth co-ordinator.

"We need more of our youth involved in political matters. We need a stronger youth voice," she added. "We need to teach the youth, to prepare for the day they become leaders."

One of the weekend seminars included ways to "street-proof" youth from the effects of youth gangs. That seminar was led by the Regina Police Services street gang task force, along with a former member of one of those gangs.

Other seminars included grief and anger management, and programs and assistance to keep youth away from drugs and alcohol.

As well, Elders who work with the Regina Friendship Centre held seminars on the medicine wheel.

But it wasn't all work for the conference participants. In addition to a talent show and wiener roast, Elders, staff and conference-goers visited the Fort Qu'Appelle museum and held storytelling sessions by the campfire.

Norton hoped the conference participants went home with an increased sense of purpose, and a mission to improve the lives of their communities.