The Kwu Sukwna'qinx Canoe Family was presented with a steersman paddle March 19 by the Conservation and Protection branch of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

The presentation was made during the Gathering Our Voices 2009 youth conference hosted in Kelowna by the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. The conference, held annually, brings together young people ages 14 to 24 to explore traditional language, culture, leadership initiatives, and employment opportunities. Kwu Sukwna'qinx is a youth leadership group from the Penticton Indian Band. The group was created by youth for youth in the hopes of inspiring other young First Nations people to tackle challenges and overcome personal obstacles. The first year Kwu Sukwna'qinx took part in the annual Pulling Together canoe journey down the Fraser River, it was the largest group without their own canoe. Since then Kwu Sukwna'qinx has worked to raise the funds to purchase their first canoe and are on track to purchase a second. DFO participates in initiatives like Pulling Together to connect the department with Aboriginal youth to break down barriers, foster better understanding, and establish closer collaborative relationships. "These young people are quite extraordinary and deserve our support," said Jim Michie, a DFO Fishery Officer, who spearheads the department's commitment to relationship building with First Nations in British Columbia. "The presentation of the paddle from our canoe, Sturgeon Warrior, to theirs honors their slogan: Impossible is Nothing." Kwu Sukwna'qinx plans to be in Scotland this summer to connect with youth there to paddle around the Orkney Islands.