TETLIT'ZHEH/FORT MCPHERSON
Peter Snowshoe knows what it takes to be a good leader. The Grade 10 Chief Julius School student in Fort McPherson is a member of the Keepers Leadership Program, which he said has taught him the value of dependability.
"We help people," Snowshoe said about the program. "We're a helping hand. We have to be responsible."
The program is run by schools in the territory in partnership with Northern Youth Abroad and brings students together from different regions of the territory. Snowshoe's Keepers Leadership Program experience was put together by Deh Gah School in Fort Providence.
Participants learn leadership skills and take part in trips, such as a journey to Saskatoon in February.
Snowshoe said during the 10-day trip the group visited the Friendship Inn, a soup kitchen in the city that serves residents in need, as well as a food bank.
"We went to the Friendship Inn for two days and helped from morning to lunch," he said. "On the third day, we went to the food bank and helped with the food. There are people who give out food to people on the streets."
The group also attended the Indspire Awards, formerly known as the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.
The awards are presented to aboriginal people who have attained exceptional achievements. Snowshoe said he met with the award winners and was able to visit and talk with them over lunch.
"They were telling us about their stories," he said. "It was pretty inspiring."
The group also toured the University of Saskatchewan campus. Snowshoe said he especially enjoyed seeing the school's biology department, though he said he wants to get involved in the Air Force when he finishes high school.
Snowshoe said he encourages other students to get involved in the program. He said there are three things students should keep in mind to achieve success.
"Be responsible, care for others and be a good leader," he said.
