Edzo (Mar 10/03) - Serge Koyina epitomizes the Chief Jimmy Bruneau Regional high school slogan "Strong as two people."

Serge Koyina - Erin Fletcher/NNSL photo

"He's the kind of kid that when it comes to the outdoors he's amazing," said physical education teacher and Culture Week organizer Darren Wicks.

The shy but charming Grade 11 student was voted by his peers to be the first Chief for the Day during the school's Culture Week. Culture Week ran simultaneously with the territory-wide Education Week.

Koyina was voted in by his peers based on his well-rounded knowledge of Dene language and culture.

His duties included a speech during the final feast Feb. 28.

"As young people there is a lot expected of us," Koyina told the more than 100 people gathered at the feast. "We need a lot of encouragement and guidance. We need to be worked with and taught and given good guidance to become good future leaders."