Dreamcatcher conference packs GMC

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It was another successful year for the annual Aboriginal youth conference that brings young people from across the country and beyond to Edmonton for a weekend of fun and education.

Dreamcatcher 2002, held Oct. 18 to 20 at Grant MacEwan College's downtown campus, even attracted participants from New Zealand.

On the agenda for opening ceremonies were performances by 16-year-old country singer Crystal Anne, the Metis Cultural Dancers, and Jennifer McLeod and her dance troupe.

Weekend education sessions were designed to motivate, encourage, and inspire.

The Dreamcatcher conference is the largest Aboriginal youth conference in the world, and it began with the vision of Val Courchene, a college graduate from the Child and Youth Care program. Courchene wanted to send a message of healing and hope to area young people, and the conference grew from there.