SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Trevor Betsina speaks of a young relative who, before attending community gatherings, was distracted by a more "urban life."

Trevor Betsina is a recreational facilitator in the community of Ndilo and says, "Being close to your culture is a good asset." - Tamara Voudrach/NNSL photo

He now makes time to attend handgames practices, and encourages others to keep coming back.

"It is really good to see him improving and to see him becoming a healthier person for it," Betsina said.

At 21, Trevor Betsina is a volunteer recreation facilitator in his home community of Ndilo, managing traditional Dene handgames and drumming. Betsina is happy with the results he is seeing among the youth population.

"I am starting to see a change in the youth around Ndilo," he said. "They are building compassion, and taking care of themselves and the people in their lives a lot better."

It allows them to "stay true to themselves and have respect for those around them," Betsina said.

A member of the Yellowknives First Nation, he said he is always looking for new ways to get the youth involved and continue to keep traditions alive, especially handgames. He participates in and co-ordinates as many cultural gatherings as he can, as well as encouraging other youth to do the same.

Dene handgames were traditionally used as a form of bartering, involving furs, tools and other items between tribes and eventually Europeans. The Dene drum, played along with handgames, is a powerful symbol of prayer, unity, and power. Dene world view encompasses mutual respect, generosity, hospitality, and pride. Betsina said youths participating and building confidence, and youth that have been participating consistently are helping out with the younger children that are just starting out.

Betsina said he was a week old when his parents began taking him on trips out on the land. He said it is important to start kids off young when it comes to living a traditional lifestyle.

"The younger you are the more time you have to understand, and being close to your culture is a good asset," he said.

Betsina attributes his interests to his older brother, Paul.

"He is the main influence in my life, and has been ever since we were growing up," he said. "Seeing him so close to our culture, I have looked up to him and wanted to be like him.

"I would not have been able to become a Yellowknives First Nation drummer if it wasn't for him. Without him, I don't know where I'd be right now, probably a little lost I guess."

Betsina said he is satisfied with doing good deeds and volunteering his time without "expecting anything in return, besides a smile and maybe a thank you." He said he has learned from experience that "all you have to do is get your education, stay close to your culture and you'll go a long way."

Betsina said he'd like to work in professional golf management and the teaching of the game which he said, "has a lot to do with life, the honesty and integrity of it."

Betsina also hopes to become an official recreational co-ordinator.

"Later on in life, I'd like to come back to my community and benefit it in some way. Maybe run for chief or something like that."

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