Students aspire to reach goals
Fort Liard youth attend Dreamcatcher conference in Edmonton
Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, October 23, 2014
EDMONTON
A greater determination to attend post-secondary studies and a sense of inspiration are among the things a group of Fort Liard students took away from a conference in Edmonton.
Thirteen Echo Dene School students and three chaperones participated in the Dreamcatcher Aboriginal Youth Conference in Edmonton. The group included, from left, back row, chaperone Vincent Bertrand, Dylan Steeves, Abby Duntra, chaperone Roslyn Gardner Firth, Alinda Edda, AJ Capot-Blanc and Tyrus Bertrand; middle row- Terrence Kotchea, Cameron Bertrand, Dallas Sassie, Jamie Duntra, Angel Kotchea and Derrick Kotchea; front row- Naomi Beaulieu and chaperone Amy Thomas. - photo courtesy of Roslyn Gardner Firth
|
Thirteen students from Echo Dene School participated in the Dreamcatcher Aboriginal Youth Conference from Oct. 17 to 18 at the MacEwan University's city centre campus. The event made a big impression on AJ Capot-Blanc.
"I'm really glad that I went," he said.
The 13-year-old said that he's more determined now to go to university. Students spent the first day of the conference learning from staff with the university's Aboriginal Education Centre about the expectations that come with studying at a university or college level. A panel of students also shared their experiences. Capot-Blanc found himself wishing he'd brought a pen and paper to take notes.
"It was a lot of good information," he said.
On the second day, participants attended sessions they had chosen in advance. A session on self-esteem was popular with many of the Fort Liard students, including Capot-Blanc. Amanada Welliver, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, spoke about achieving your dreams in life and not letting anyone stand in the way of unlocking your goals.
"That really inspired me," he said.
Capot-Blanc felt connected to Welliver's message because like him, she was bullied and picked on in school.
Alinda Edda also found herself inspired by the conference. The first day contained a lot of good information about going to university including living in residence, dealing with class schedules and seeking help from teachers, she said.
The 17-year-old also enjoyed learning more about aboriginal cultures including watching pow-wow and hoop dancing demonstrations. Edda's favourite session, called Flash, Bang, Boom, was all about chemistry and included lots of demonstrations.
"It was really cool," she said.
Edda said she'd definitely recommend the conference, and specifically the chemistry session, to other students.
"It will really inspire," she said.
Making the long return trip between Fort Liard and Edmonton for the conference was definitely worth it, said Roslyn Gardner Firth, one of three chaperones on the trip.
"It's to inspire the youth and get them to follow their dreams and realize the importance of post-secondary education," she said.
The students were all interested in and curious about everything that was presented. Hopefully, the conference will make this group of 13- to 16-year-olds think more about pursuing education past Grade 12, said Gardner Firth.
The students held a variety of fundraisers to go on the trip and also contributed their own money.
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs also supported the trip through the youth corps and youth contributions programs.
