Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services

Jean Marie River (Jan 13/06) - Promoting self-expression was Dakota House's main goal when he was in this northern community last week.

Dallas Arcand performs the infinite hoop dance for the rapt audience in Jean Marie River. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

House, who is famous for his role in the television show North of 60, was in the community with three other facilitators from the program Going MILES (Motivating, Inspiring, Leading, Empowering and Succeeding).

"Self-expression through the arts is something I truly believe in," House told people at a community feast on Jan. 1.

In his workshops, House helped the youth of Jean Marie River put together a play based on the format of the Jerry Springer talk show.

The play, Dakota's House of Pain and Healing, was about "bullying and gossiping," said Hillary Norwegian, a Grade 9 student.

Using humour and laughter makes difficult issues easier to deal with, said House.

"I was awesome," said Vanessa Sanguez, a Grade 10 student, who did some singing as part of the presentation.

Sanguez also took advantage of the other activities that were offered. Rocky Dumas and Adrian LaChance ran a workshop about painting on canvas. Dallas Arcand, who is ranked second in the world for hoop dancing, taught the youth some moves. Sanguez said hoop dancing is "kind of easy," but it can get a bit frustrating.

Tammy Neal, the Jean Marie River First Nations' band manager, first thought of bringing Going MILES to the community after she saw the program in Fort Liard last summer.

"The kids really connected with them and I thought it would be a good opportunity for the youth to experience it here," said Neal.

With the permission of the chief and council, Neal made some phone calls and things fell into place.

"It's a rare opportunity for these guys because usually the funding in small communities for things like this is limited," said Neal.

Community members of all ages came out to see House and his friends perform at a community feast on Jan. 1.

Between 30 and 40 people were back out on Jan. 3 to watch the youth's play.

"The kids enjoyed themselves," said Neal.