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INUVIK
When 15-year-old Lauren Cockney called Delores Harley about attending the October Dreamcatcher Aboriginal Youth Conference, Harley's advice was simple.

From left, Sta-cee Francis, 15, Delores Harley, and Lauren Cockney, 15, are fundraising so the two teenagers can attend the October Dreamcatcher conference in Edmonton. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

"I told her, 'don't wish, let's do it,'" said Harley.

Soon, Cockney was on the phone with her cousin, Sta-cee Francis, 15.

The pair decided to start fundraising and preparing for the conference, and although they've barely begun, they have already put away more than $1, 000.

Their current fundraising initiative is collecting bottles and cans from other people and sorting them for recycling.

"We have over 10 big bags so far," said Francis.

"Each one can fit about 500 pop cans. We squish them down to save room."

Francis and Cockney still had more bags to pick up from different locations around town on Tuesday, so they had no idea what their final total would be.

Harley said she acts as a chaperone for the girls and helps them with fundraising, but the majority of the work is all theirs.

"They do 50/50 draws, bake sales and anything they can think of," said Harley.

This year, the conference is over two days, Oct. 12 and 13.

Held at MacEwan University in Edmonton, the conference now has more than 1,200 participants, up from around 400 in 1993.

"They have workshops and storytelling with the elders," said Cockney.

This is Cockney's second year attending the conference and the first time for Francis.

"I'm really looking forward to the traditional willow branch dreamcatcher workshop," said Francis.

It's the same workshop that Cockney wanted to attend last year, but it didn't work out timing-wise.

"There's so much happening and I did so much last year I can't even pick a favourite," she said.

On the second day of the conference there are three workshop sessions held. The workshops include culture, dance, education, career, empowerment and healthy living choices.

The two teenagers don't plan to stop working anytime soon.

Francis and Cockney are still planning more 50/50 draws, bake sales and possibly a merchandise bingo.

"The community has been really helpful so far," said Cockney.

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