Fort Simpson (Mar 17/06) - According to students at Thomas Simpson school, self-respect is the bottom line for qualities needed in a leader.

Students were asked to identify the most important leadership quality to provide the theme for this year's Mackenzie Regional Youth Conference, which was hosted in Fort Simpson, March 7-10.

Taking her time, Jackie Norwegian applies paint to her vase during a session on raku pottery. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Sixty-five students travelled to the community to take part in the conference entitled "Leading by example: self respect."

Planning for the event started in November, so the 235 participants would have an organized experience, said principal Robert Byatt.

This is the sixth time Thomas Simpson has hosted the conference. With over 35 different sessions, the youth had a lot to choose from.

"The kids are enthusiastic and we are getting good feedback," said Byatt during the conference.

"Sh-sh-shake it," a dance session run by Jennifer McLeod, was one of the more popular choices.

Doriann LeFoin, 13, said she liked learning new dance moves.

Dene games were the favourite session for 14-year-old Tyler Jumbo, the only participant from Trout Lake. The fact that his team won helped, Jumbo admitted.

Not every session topic was lighthearted, however. Learning about the effects the pipeline will have on the land and animals in a session called "From bannock to pipelines" was memorable for Stephanie Gargan, 17.

The message of self-respect that echoed throughout the sessions, and by speakers, was picked up by many participants.

"You have to respect people and listen," said Kristy Tanche from Fort Providence.

But the conference was more than just a way to teach youth about self-respect. It was also an opportunity for youth to travel and see different communities and meet other students, Byatt said.

"It's a lot of work, but there is a lot of value in it," he noted.