Fort Simpson youth gain insight through program
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Fort Simpson (Apr 06/01) - From hunting to voluntarism, seven Fort Simpson youth were recognized Friday for sticking with a six-month program designed to imbue them with life skills.
A feast and drum dance were held at the cultural centre in honour of the youth.
Through the program, they learned how to ice fish and hunt for caribou in addition to resume writing, computer and Internet skills, self-esteem workshops, survival training and career planning, among other things.
Sixteen youth started the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre program, designed for youth who are no longer in school. Some dropped out while others were hired through a job placement program, coordinator Gerald Antoine explained.
"That was one of the objectives, to motivate the youth and get them into the workforce," Antoine said, adding that he learned a lot from the students who shared their good times and difficult moments with him.
Each student received a knife case, a blanket wrap and a pack sack Friday.
Instructor Jonas Antoine commended the youth, many of whom he has watched grow and mature.
"I'm very proud to be involved with young people like that," he said, noting that they endured some very harsh weather while out on the land.
Instructor Michael Cazon said the bush camps weren't solely intended to teach survival skills, but also respect, responsibility, thankfulness and how to share.
The latter was made evident when the program participants provided the wild meat and fish for the feast.
Participant Eliza Jane Lafferty said she won't forget her time on the land.
She was left behind at a campsite near Deline and noticed wolves circling, interested in the caribou meat.
"So that was a little scary for me," she recalled with a smile. "But it was neat. I learned how to skin a caribou and I had never seen that done before."
She said her work placement at a family resource centre helped her decide to become a teacher.
"I saw how eager the little ones were to learn," she said.
Fellow participant Donna Tsetso plans to take a one-month course in communications, filming, production and editing, also offered through the Deh Cho Friendship Centre.
After that, she plans to revise her resume.
"Then I'll go and see what I can get for a job," she said.
