DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE - A recent trip has given participants of a pilot project a close look at two potential paths for their future.

Members of the Keepers Program wait outside a Vancouver police detachment to go on a tour of East Hastings. Participants on an 11-day trip included from left, chaperone Mike Leishman, Benny Gargan, Dylan McLeod, Lory Ann Bertrand, Ryan Tourangeau, Bradley Thom, Erin Nadli, Jeannine Minoza and chaperone Margaret Thom. - photo courtesy of Mike Leishman

Seven students from Fort Providence, Nahanni Butte and Fort Smith who are part of the Keepers Program spent 11 days travelling in British Columbia and Alberta from March 9 to 19.

The program, which is in its second year, is designed to build leadership in youth, said Margaret Thom, Deh Gah School's community councillor who accompanied the students along with teacher Mike Leishman.

The trip began in Vancouver where students witnessed what making the wrong choices can lead to. Students volunteered at a food bank and took a tour of the Salvation Army's Harbour Light Treatment Centre. They also went on a beat enforcement tour with members of the Vancouver Police in the East Hastings neighbourhood.

Dylan McLeod, 17, of Fort Providence, said he saw some rough stuff while in Vancouver.

During the East Hastings tour the police officers pointed out needles and other evidence of drug use and stopped addicts to have them speak with the students.

"Most of them said marijuana started them on that life," McLeod said.

McLeod said he had a heartfelt reaction to what he saw.

"I didn't realize it was that rough, the kind of lives that people live," he said.

The darker side of Vancouver was countered when students travelled to Victoria where they took tours of the University of Victoria and Camosun College. McLeod said Camosun was the best college he's toured so far and as a result of the trip he plans to apply to its welding trades program.

Camosun also impressed Erin Nadli, 15, of Fort Providence.

Nadli said she liked the sense of community on the campus and was impressed by the level of support available for students.

"It's been a good experience," Nadli said about the trip.

Students concluded the trip by flying to Edmonton on March 17 where they toured Grant MacEwan University.

The trip was the first time Lory Ann Bertrand, 16, of Nahanni Butte, has toured universities and colleges.

Bertrand said she learned a lot, particularly about the great opportunities there are to go to school.

"I'm really thankful for going on this program," she said.

Bertrand said she wouldn't have had these opportunities if she hadn't signed up for the Keepers Program. The program is really good for students because it gives them the opportunity to develop leadership skills and independence, she said.

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