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'It takes a lot of courage' Students speak to assembly of chiefs on the importance of education and youth programsNathalie Heiberg-Harrison Northern News Services Published Monday, November 21, 2011
Julian Gon, 19, and Shawn Gon, 18, of Behchoko made a presentation on youth in the region, the struggles they face and the kind of support they are looking for from their leaders. "They look at youth and they criticize youth about being bad, smoking, doing drugs and drinking, breaking and entering and all that stuff. But, as we said, not all youth are bad, just the minority," said Julian. The pair also addressed the need for sports funding so students can attend events like Super Soccer, Spike It and handgames tournaments, and the disparity between education in the North and the south. "It's not the same. Their curriculum is harder than over here," said Julian. "The education over here should be the same as down south." Julian, who hopes to attend business school in Grande Prairie, Alta., next year, said in the future the Tlicho Government should offer more support to graduating students. He said students pursuing work in politics, teaching, nursing and other careers should receive more funding and tutoring support than they are now. In addition, once they graduate they should be encouraged to find work in the Tlicho region. "They should help us, support us," Julian said. The pair spoke at the assembly after Chief Clifford Daniels of Behchoko approached the school looking for students to take part. Principal Patti Turner recommended the duo, and went on to help them prepare for their presentation as well. "We sat for an hour brainstorming about youth and what's happening in town," Julian said. While youth have been involved in the Tlicho Assembly in the past, this is the first time they have been invited to speak to the group, Julian said. In attendance were Daniels, Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus, Chief Alfonz Nitsiza of Whati, Chief Edward Chocolate of Gameti, Chief Charlie Football of Wekweeti, as well as the speaker and other assembly members. "They were amazed," Julian said of their response. "They were saying, 'Thank you for coming out' and 'It takes a lot of courage for young people to come out and speak. There should be more people like you guys to speak up'." The presentation was such a success that the chiefs decided youth should be involved in the assembly from now on, Julian said. "It felt good. I felt important sitting at the table with all of them," he said. Julian didn't rule out a future in politics, and added that as a child he dreamt of being a Tlicho chief one day. "It's still possible," he said.
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