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THEBACHA/FORT SMITH
Amy Harris knows what it takes to achieve her goals. The youth co-ordinator at Uncle Gabe’s Friendship Centre in Fort Smith says staying focused and getting an education are key to success.

Amy Harris, the youth co-ordinator at Uncle Gabe’s Friendship Centre in Fort Smith, says she wants to give back to her community. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

“Education is really important,” Harris said. “Stay true to yourself and never give up.”

Harris said she dropped out of school at a young age, but realized she needed to complete high school and college in order to get where she wanted to be in life.

“I had to do it on my own to actually realize I needed an education,” she said.

Harris attended Gabriel Dumont Technical Institute in Saskatoon to finish high school. She then went on to complete the community and social services worker program at Yorkville College in Toronto.

Harris, who was adopted and lived much of her life in the South, said moving back to the North was a big goal for her.

“Because I’m originally from up North, I decided I wanted to come back to my community and give back,” she said.

Now, Harris’ job at the centre allows her to not only plan events and activities, but to learn new skills.

Programs, such as drumming workshops, often take place for youth and members of the public, Harris said.

“Ever since we started drumming with the youth here, I’ve picked that up and learned as well,” she said.

Harris also plans culture camps where youth spend time learning traditional skills, such as beaver skinning and dreamcatcher making. Harris is already getting a head start planning this summer’s camp, which will take place at Kettle Point. She said she hopes eight to 10 youth sign up to participate.

The centre also acts as a drop-in hub for after-school activities. Computers are available for homework or Internet searching and there is also a gym for playing sports.

Harris said in the past, workshops have been held as well and were open to the public, including guitar lessons and arts and crafts activities. The centre also boasts a lunch program for both elementary and high school students. Harris, who has been employed at the centre off and on for the past eight years, said it is a popular place, both for herself and the community.

“It's kind of a home away from home,” she said.

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