Over 250 First Nations youth were treated to dancing, singing and cultural celebrations at the Tribal Chiefs Child and Family Service East Society Youth Conference last week.
The three-day conference was held at the Centennial Centre Mar. 9-11, and hosted by the Tribal Chiefs for the second consecutive year.
“This was so much fun,” said Grade 12 student Garth Youngchief. He said the conference is about helping youth get on the right path to success, and about “just coming out and having a good time.”
Each day youth could attend seminars on education and culture.
The first day of the conference also included a break dancing session, which Youngchief said he really enjoyed.
Youth participated in a traditional native clothing fashion show the second day. The final day was about celebrating the First Nations culture, with dancing, singing and peace pipe ceremonies.
Kehewin Cree Nation Chief Ernest Gadwa said the conference was a great success.
“We have goals and a vision for our youth and this is all about them,” he said, explaining the graduation rate among First Nations youth is not as high as it could be.
“We're trying to encourage them to stay in and finish school … and to let them know that there is more to life out there and that if they stay committed to education they can reach their goals.”
Following Friday's celebrations, graduating First Nations students from schools in the area were awarded for their hard work with a laptop computer and other gifts.
Youngchief, who is graduating from Kehewin School this spring, received a gift package, as did several of his friends.
“I'm so excited,” he said smiling. “I'm already looking forward to next year's conference.”
