By Jennifer Williams
December 3 2009 Quaqtaq, QC
Spending time in Quaqtaq was an amazing experience. We visited the school there and did presentations to the teenagers, an Elder also participated in giving a presentation and it was a very great addition. The teens were very shy during the presentations but came out of their shell as we took a break to head down to the water to see a beluga whale hunt. The town was beautiful and the people were very nice. In the end of my presentation we went around the circle to ask the youth who their favourite role model was and passed out t-shirts to each person. One of the last girls said that I was her new role model and that made me feel very happy!
In the afternoon Karin and I went around to the lower grades and did drum-dancing and throat-signing demonstrations for the youngers
children. They really enjoyed it and it was a lot of fun. We also walked around with Bruce and visited each classroom which the kids and teachers both loved. It was a great visit and I really enjoyed my time in Quaqtaq.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Visit to Quaqtaq: Asivak
By Asivak Koostachin
December 3 2009 Quaqtaq, QC
This was my second community visit. It was an amazing experience and I saw the Arctic ocen for the first time. The presentation was easy and fun. The youth were friendly but alot of them smoked. I think something should be done and in the future I am going to try to deal with it, by telling them facts and stories of long term smokers. Overall the visit was an extraordinary experience.
December 3 2009 Quaqtaq, QC
This was my second community visit. It was an amazing experience and I saw the Arctic ocen for the first time. The presentation was easy and fun. The youth were friendly but alot of them smoked. I think something should be done and in the future I am going to try to deal with it, by telling them facts and stories of long term smokers. Overall the visit was an extraordinary experience.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
National Addictions Awareness Week
By Damian Abrahams
November 18 2009, New Aiyansh, BC
This visit was the best visit so far! Although it was tiring getting to the community it was worth it! My first presentation was when I arrived in their territory, they brought me out to their land and introduced me to their nation as they were having a Nisga'a nation picnic so most of their people were there. I was able to say a few words and sing a couple of songs. I found it amazing that I was not the only role model they had, every year they select one of their own as a role mode, they usually select an Elder from the community.
After the speeches and the amazing feast they had traditional songs and dances which they invited me to be a part of.
I was humbled to be welcomed into such an amazing community and I hope to return again in the future!
November 18 2009, New Aiyansh, BC
This visit was the best visit so far! Although it was tiring getting to the community it was worth it! My first presentation was when I arrived in their territory, they brought me out to their land and introduced me to their nation as they were having a Nisga'a nation picnic so most of their people were there. I was able to say a few words and sing a couple of songs. I found it amazing that I was not the only role model they had, every year they select one of their own as a role mode, they usually select an Elder from the community.
After the speeches and the amazing feast they had traditional songs and dances which they invited me to be a part of.
I was humbled to be welcomed into such an amazing community and I hope to return again in the future!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Louis Riel Day
By Jessica Dunkley
November 15 2009 Ottawa, ON
Carleton University was celebrating Louis Riel Day and I was invited to share my story as a Metis woman to an audience of about 15 people. There was a nice group of diverse people that came to listen to my story.
I shared my story growing up and talked about my journey through medical school through adversity and overcoming barriers to demonstrate the resiliency and strength we all develop from experiencing prejudice and stereotypes.
Pemmican, cranberry dessert and juice was served to share our traditional foods.
November 15 2009 Ottawa, ON
Carleton University was celebrating Louis Riel Day and I was invited to share my story as a Metis woman to an audience of about 15 people. There was a nice group of diverse people that came to listen to my story.
I shared my story growing up and talked about my journey through medical school through adversity and overcoming barriers to demonstrate the resiliency and strength we all develop from experiencing prejudice and stereotypes.
Pemmican, cranberry dessert and juice was served to share our traditional foods.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Lead Your Way! Be Healthy! Be Positive! Visit to Kuujjuaq
by Charlotte Qamaniq
November 12-14 2009. Kuujjuaq, QC
We arrived in Kuujjuaq on the evening of November 11 as our flight was delayed a few hours en route from Iqaluit. We stayed with Louisa and her beautiful family for the first night, and the rest of our nights at the hotel.
We spent our days at the Jaanimarik High School. This was my very first role model presentation and I was pretty nervous. We had elders come in to speak, they spoke in Inuktitut and told the students some of their life stories and lessons and they got a lot of positive feedback from the students. When it was my turn to speak I talked about how they were all role models to children younger than them; I told them about my role model and what a role model is to me. I mentioned how bullying affects people and how it was important to be considerate of other people’s feelings.
I then spoke about my experience with the Youth Suicide Prevention Walk across Canada. I emphasized how talking about our problems helps us feel better, and to be good listeners when someone seems to feel down. I answered any questions they had and told them I was available to talk to anyone as I was in town for a few days. The 2nd day I had a lot of fun playing soccer with some students followed by pizza and juice, this was probably the highlight of my trip.
The 3rd day we managed to pull off an amazing community feast with games and prizes, door prizes and a short presentation. I was impressed with how many showed up, we had about 300-350 people come and share their evening with us. Over all, I had a really good trip in Nunavik and hope that they enjoyed their time with us as much as I did with them.
November 12-14 2009. Kuujjuaq, QC
We arrived in Kuujjuaq on the evening of November 11 as our flight was delayed a few hours en route from Iqaluit. We stayed with Louisa and her beautiful family for the first night, and the rest of our nights at the hotel.
We spent our days at the Jaanimarik High School. This was my very first role model presentation and I was pretty nervous. We had elders come in to speak, they spoke in Inuktitut and told the students some of their life stories and lessons and they got a lot of positive feedback from the students. When it was my turn to speak I talked about how they were all role models to children younger than them; I told them about my role model and what a role model is to me. I mentioned how bullying affects people and how it was important to be considerate of other people’s feelings.
I then spoke about my experience with the Youth Suicide Prevention Walk across Canada. I emphasized how talking about our problems helps us feel better, and to be good listeners when someone seems to feel down. I answered any questions they had and told them I was available to talk to anyone as I was in town for a few days. The 2nd day I had a lot of fun playing soccer with some students followed by pizza and juice, this was probably the highlight of my trip.
The 3rd day we managed to pull off an amazing community feast with games and prizes, door prizes and a short presentation. I was impressed with how many showed up, we had about 300-350 people come and share their evening with us. Over all, I had a really good trip in Nunavik and hope that they enjoyed their time with us as much as I did with them.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Visit to Inukjuak
By Shawn Kuliktana
October 28-30, 2009 Inukjuak, QC
My visit in Inukjuak was a great experience for me and meeting more new people and also sharing my knowledge to the youth about what we face every day and how we can make it through and making our known paths.
I felt closer to the trade students because I am around that age range and I'm into the trades too. And knowing we're going into adulthood and starting families and becoming leaders for our community. And I got to share my knowledge to them. And I hope one day they will use what I gave them for their community and family members.
October 28-30, 2009 Inukjuak, QC
My visit in Inukjuak was a great experience for me and meeting more new people and also sharing my knowledge to the youth about what we face every day and how we can make it through and making our known paths.
I felt closer to the trade students because I am around that age range and I'm into the trades too. And knowing we're going into adulthood and starting families and becoming leaders for our community. And I got to share my knowledge to them. And I hope one day they will use what I gave them for their community and family members.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Visit to Inukjuak
By Asivak Koostachin
October 29, 2009 Inukjuak,QC
This was my first time in an Inuit community. The experience was amazing. The people were nice and friendly. Especially the family I stayed with. The view as memorable and new for me. The first time I presented. I was nervous. After that, I felt confident and fearless. Some youth came up to me and Shawn and told us that we inspired them. That was nice to hear. I would most definitely want to go back.
October 29, 2009 Inukjuak,QC
This was my first time in an Inuit community. The experience was amazing. The people were nice and friendly. Especially the family I stayed with. The view as memorable and new for me. The first time I presented. I was nervous. After that, I felt confident and fearless. Some youth came up to me and Shawn and told us that we inspired them. That was nice to hear. I would most definitely want to go back.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Speaking to Ulluriaq School
By Shawn Kuliktana
October 21-22, 2009 Kangiqsualujjuaq, QC
My visit in George River was a good time with meeting new people and new faces. And also getting to share my stories and how I became a role model seeing the youth in a isolated community with not much options.
And that's where I came in and showing them we have doors open and there's so much out there for us Inuit. We just have to make a dream and go for it. And making sure we always have our doors open.
With that's telling youth that we are the future leaders and kids are already looking up to. So you always have to keep that in mind that were always going to be role models for the younger generation.
October 21-22, 2009 Kangiqsualujjuaq, QC
My visit in George River was a good time with meeting new people and new faces. And also getting to share my stories and how I became a role model seeing the youth in a isolated community with not much options.
And that's where I came in and showing them we have doors open and there's so much out there for us Inuit. We just have to make a dream and go for it. And making sure we always have our doors open.
With that's telling youth that we are the future leaders and kids are already looking up to. So you always have to keep that in mind that were always going to be role models for the younger generation.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Ted Nolan Foundation Camp
By Alicia Sayers
October 17 2009 Onondaga Farms, ON
I went to the Onondaga farms, Ontario at the Tim Horton's Children Camps to speak to Aboriginal Youth(who are from my home and surrounding area) in conjunction with the Ted Nolan Foundation. This experience and opportunity was important to me because I was able to meet and interact with youth who were from my community. I had an immediate connection to the youth based on where we were from. This made the visit extremely comfortable for me. Additionally, I was there with my older sister, Mackenzie, who was chosen to teach the youth about our culture as she is teacher. I joined the event last minute to work with my sister and help facilitate her event. I enjoyed teaching and learning form the youth about The Seven Grandfathers. After the teaching sessions, my sister and I were invited to the closing ceremonies for that leg of the trip and handed out the gifts made for the youth. It was an incredible and rewarding experience.
October 17 2009 Onondaga Farms, ON
I went to the Onondaga farms, Ontario at the Tim Horton's Children Camps to speak to Aboriginal Youth(who are from my home and surrounding area) in conjunction with the Ted Nolan Foundation. This experience and opportunity was important to me because I was able to meet and interact with youth who were from my community. I had an immediate connection to the youth based on where we were from. This made the visit extremely comfortable for me. Additionally, I was there with my older sister, Mackenzie, who was chosen to teach the youth about our culture as she is teacher. I joined the event last minute to work with my sister and help facilitate her event. I enjoyed teaching and learning form the youth about The Seven Grandfathers. After the teaching sessions, my sister and I were invited to the closing ceremonies for that leg of the trip and handed out the gifts made for the youth. It was an incredible and rewarding experience.
Dreamcatchers Conference
By Jeff Ward
October 17, 2009 Edmonton, AB
I had the pleasure of co-presenting the "Lead Your Way" workshop with Karin Kettler at the Dreamcatchers youth conference in Edmonton, AB. The 2 workshops went great and during the questions part of the presentations, many people asked great questions about NARMP, what it's like to be a role model and about myself and my business. The fact that people asked such great questions and came up afterwards to continue the discussion was a good indicator for me that the workshops were a success and that people got value from it.
I graduated high school in Edmonton so even though I've been living in Victoria for many years, I still have lots of family and friends in the area. I was able to catch up with some of these people which was an opportunity that NARMP has brought me and for that I am very grateful. Where to next?
October 17, 2009 Edmonton, AB
I had the pleasure of co-presenting the "Lead Your Way" workshop with Karin Kettler at the Dreamcatchers youth conference in Edmonton, AB. The 2 workshops went great and during the questions part of the presentations, many people asked great questions about NARMP, what it's like to be a role model and about myself and my business. The fact that people asked such great questions and came up afterwards to continue the discussion was a good indicator for me that the workshops were a success and that people got value from it.
I graduated high school in Edmonton so even though I've been living in Victoria for many years, I still have lots of family and friends in the area. I was able to catch up with some of these people which was an opportunity that NARMP has brought me and for that I am very grateful. Where to next?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Fort St. John Youth Career Fair
By Jessica Yee
October 13-14 Fort St. John, BC
Being up north holds a special place in my heart – and I was glad to return to northern BC by way of this role model visit to Fort St. John. I was asked to talk about what being a “role model” means today – which is something I have found really interesting to talk about thus far since I feel like so many youth are role models that don’t get recognized for it – and in my eyes they are already role models just by showing up to this kind of stuff (and yes even if they have to!) I don’t feel any more of a role model than a young person who can just look in the mirror and feel okay with what they see, and in fact I really want to learn from that young person on how they do that – because there are so many people in general who aren’t in a place where they feel okay with themselves.
I had fun with the students going through some youth empowerment exercises and talking about the small to big things we have to be proud of – and how personal growth and activism with things we are passionate about can contribute greatly to collective group action to make change. Lots of the youth came and sat with me during lunch and it’s always good to visit and chat – since to me – the learning never stops!
October 13-14 Fort St. John, BC
Being up north holds a special place in my heart – and I was glad to return to northern BC by way of this role model visit to Fort St. John. I was asked to talk about what being a “role model” means today – which is something I have found really interesting to talk about thus far since I feel like so many youth are role models that don’t get recognized for it – and in my eyes they are already role models just by showing up to this kind of stuff (and yes even if they have to!) I don’t feel any more of a role model than a young person who can just look in the mirror and feel okay with what they see, and in fact I really want to learn from that young person on how they do that – because there are so many people in general who aren’t in a place where they feel okay with themselves.
I had fun with the students going through some youth empowerment exercises and talking about the small to big things we have to be proud of – and how personal growth and activism with things we are passionate about can contribute greatly to collective group action to make change. Lots of the youth came and sat with me during lunch and it’s always good to visit and chat – since to me – the learning never stops!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Blueprint for the Future, Saskatoon, SK
By Suzette Amaya
November 10, 2009 Saskatoon, SK
The NAAF Blueprint Conference is always one of the BEST! Youth Conference...NAAF Does it Right! WOW! it was so well organized, great sessions and a TON of Youth!!!! I was so lucky to be able to share with a number of youth the Wonderful Perks and Stories of being one of the veteran NAHO role Models! :) Yayayya to the NAHO - NARMP Staff who put together a Wick'd Powerpoint presentation, wow it was so cool, easy to use and effective in ensuring I didn't miss anything in regards to all the NARMP has to offer and the facts! I had a lot of fun and encourage youth to check out the NAHO Website and submit to being a role model! This conference was so wonderful and such a great group! I was so pleased to be able to come and well, honestly I was there also as Joey Stylez Manager and he a FAB concert for the youth! Which is always great to share my experience with a friend and a fellow role model and young entrepreneur!
I enjoy the Blueprint conferences not only because they are so well organized and through but because the youth who attend come with the desire to make changes within their community and are to pursue their dreams and goals! Thanxs for my attendance Faba and I hope to go to a future Blueprint conference!
November 10, 2009 Saskatoon, SK
The NAAF Blueprint Conference is always one of the BEST! Youth Conference...NAAF Does it Right! WOW! it was so well organized, great sessions and a TON of Youth!!!! I was so lucky to be able to share with a number of youth the Wonderful Perks and Stories of being one of the veteran NAHO role Models! :) Yayayya to the NAHO - NARMP Staff who put together a Wick'd Powerpoint presentation, wow it was so cool, easy to use and effective in ensuring I didn't miss anything in regards to all the NARMP has to offer and the facts! I had a lot of fun and encourage youth to check out the NAHO Website and submit to being a role model! This conference was so wonderful and such a great group! I was so pleased to be able to come and well, honestly I was there also as Joey Stylez Manager and he a FAB concert for the youth! Which is always great to share my experience with a friend and a fellow role model and young entrepreneur!
I enjoy the Blueprint conferences not only because they are so well organized and through but because the youth who attend come with the desire to make changes within their community and are to pursue their dreams and goals! Thanxs for my attendance Faba and I hope to go to a future Blueprint conference!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Community Visit to Little Buffalo, Cadotte Lake, AB
By Damian Abrahams
November 8, 2009 Little Buffalo, Cadotte Lake, AB
My trip to Little Buffalo was disheartening, knowing the conditions the youth live in made me try extra hard to reach them. I can only hope that I got through. I applaud Bryan for all that he is doing there!
I did enjoy that my name was up on their announcement board outside the school! As for the presentations, I feel they went well. I had to dilute my story for the little ones who were all so cute! A couple little girls reminded me of my baby girl.
The presentation for the older youth, though, was more detailed and the speech after was to inspire them to reach for more than they think they can get. Little Buffalo doesn't make for a good place to live for youth I was told. So I told them that when they graduate high school, they ought to look into university and that that's what I did and I was where they are when I was growing up.
November 8, 2009 Little Buffalo, Cadotte Lake, AB
My trip to Little Buffalo was disheartening, knowing the conditions the youth live in made me try extra hard to reach them. I can only hope that I got through. I applaud Bryan for all that he is doing there!
I did enjoy that my name was up on their announcement board outside the school! As for the presentations, I feel they went well. I had to dilute my story for the little ones who were all so cute! A couple little girls reminded me of my baby girl.
The presentation for the older youth, though, was more detailed and the speech after was to inspire them to reach for more than they think they can get. Little Buffalo doesn't make for a good place to live for youth I was told. So I told them that when they graduate high school, they ought to look into university and that that's what I did and I was where they are when I was growing up.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Speaking in Midland, Ontario
By Jonathon Earle
Sept. 29 - Oct 1 2009 Midland, Ontario
The trip to Midland was my first speaking experience as a role model. This visit was something i really looked forward to and I was warmly greeted by the organizers of the event including many determined youth. Leading up to the start of the conference, I had the opportunity to speak with many of the organizers and the participants and during this time I learned many different stories from the region and especially the initiatives taken by the youth. This included being active in the community, planning the conference and working closely with the elders, and community partners to develop proactive solutions for the youth of the region.
This feeling resonated through the whole day after hearing many others speak and having the opportunity to speak as well. During my presentation, the audience was actively engaged in the presentation by sharing their stories and experiences. The entire experience was exhilarating and very exciting. For my first appearance as a role model, the youth and people of Midland was very accommodating and supportive.
The opportunity to speak and listen to the many people at the event exposed me to a greater appreciation for the youth of our country. The youth of Midland inspired me to continue in my own endeavors and their ongoing commitment to their region is inspirational.
Sept. 29 - Oct 1 2009 Midland, Ontario
The trip to Midland was my first speaking experience as a role model. This visit was something i really looked forward to and I was warmly greeted by the organizers of the event including many determined youth. Leading up to the start of the conference, I had the opportunity to speak with many of the organizers and the participants and during this time I learned many different stories from the region and especially the initiatives taken by the youth. This included being active in the community, planning the conference and working closely with the elders, and community partners to develop proactive solutions for the youth of the region.
This feeling resonated through the whole day after hearing many others speak and having the opportunity to speak as well. During my presentation, the audience was actively engaged in the presentation by sharing their stories and experiences. The entire experience was exhilarating and very exciting. For my first appearance as a role model, the youth and people of Midland was very accommodating and supportive.
The opportunity to speak and listen to the many people at the event exposed me to a greater appreciation for the youth of our country. The youth of Midland inspired me to continue in my own endeavors and their ongoing commitment to their region is inspirational.
Visit to Quartaq
By Jennifer Williams
December 2, 2009 Quartaq, QC
Spending time in Quartaq was an amazing experience. We visited the school there and did presentations to the teenagers, an Elder also participated in giving a presentation and it was a very great addition. The teens were very shy during the presentations but came out of their shell as we took a break to head down to the water to see a beluga whale hunt. The town was beautiful and the people very nice.
In the end of my presentation we went around the circle to ask the youth who their favourite role model was and passed out t-shirts to each person. One of the last girls said that I was her new role model and that made me feel very happy! In the afternoon Karin and I went around to the lower grades and did drum-dancing and throat-singing demonstrations for the younger children. They really enjoyed it and it was a lot of fun. We also walked around with Bruce and visited each classroom which the kids and teachers both loved. It was a great visit and I really enjoyed my time in Quartaq.
December 2, 2009 Quartaq, QC
Spending time in Quartaq was an amazing experience. We visited the school there and did presentations to the teenagers, an Elder also participated in giving a presentation and it was a very great addition. The teens were very shy during the presentations but came out of their shell as we took a break to head down to the water to see a beluga whale hunt. The town was beautiful and the people very nice.
In the end of my presentation we went around the circle to ask the youth who their favourite role model was and passed out t-shirts to each person. One of the last girls said that I was her new role model and that made me feel very happy! In the afternoon Karin and I went around to the lower grades and did drum-dancing and throat-singing demonstrations for the younger children. They really enjoyed it and it was a lot of fun. We also walked around with Bruce and visited each classroom which the kids and teachers both loved. It was a great visit and I really enjoyed my time in Quartaq.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Visit to Puvirnituq
By Jenna Kilabuk
October 1 2009. Puvirnituq, QC
I’m very happy that I went on this trip. Karin had made everything easier. POV is filled with great people! I loved how welcoming the people are. I think that students had a great time with us. Presentations went really well, and so did the radio show. Thanks to everyone! We had a great time.
October 1 2009. Puvirnituq, QC
I’m very happy that I went on this trip. Karin had made everything easier. POV is filled with great people! I loved how welcoming the people are. I think that students had a great time with us. Presentations went really well, and so did the radio show. Thanks to everyone! We had a great time.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
University Recruitment- London, Ontario
By Alicia Sayer
September 28 2009, London ON
I went to the city of London, Ontario to speak to Aboriginal youth (who bus to the city and/or live in London) in a local highschool. The experience brought me back to my time while in high-school as i was given a backgrounder on the youth who attend the school--> the cliques, pre-conceptions, experience etc. of the Aboriginal population. This made the visit that much more important because I distinctively remember the day the same Universities came to speak to me and recruit the Aboriginal youth in Sault Ste. Marie. I wanted to let them know what education had given me, why I believe it's important and that each of us had a dream or goal and education can help us achieve that. More importantly, I let them know that I had similar experiences in high school; I was bussed into the city and experienced similar situation and feelings--both negative and positive.
I had a written a speech prior to attending this event, but when I seen the students, I said to myself, "I can't read to them my memorized speech, I have to be as real as I can be. I'm not going to reach them by reading off a 'ready-made script'". I felt the speech went "okay"; I was diagnosed with social anxiety and this makes me analyze, and at time,s over analyze situations in addition to other characteristics.
Canadace Brunette made the visit much more easier and really helped ease me into the situation. If she was not there, I would have been much more anxious and worried before meeting the youth. I also enjoyed speaking to the ScotiaBank representative and asked for feedback to see if I represented ScotiaBank to their liking for the NARMP program.
What made this visit much more easier was that I knew the University liasons. This is because my sister, Taylor Sayers, was the Aboriginal Recruitment Officer for Algoma University and I went on a University recruitment with her and was able to meet them prior to this.
Overall, this visit went well because of the familiarity of the people, the experiences and the encouragement given. I would gladly travel back to London, ON anytime. The youth had a calm confidence and brought back fond memories of highschool.
September 28 2009, London ON
I went to the city of London, Ontario to speak to Aboriginal youth (who bus to the city and/or live in London) in a local highschool. The experience brought me back to my time while in high-school as i was given a backgrounder on the youth who attend the school--> the cliques, pre-conceptions, experience etc. of the Aboriginal population. This made the visit that much more important because I distinctively remember the day the same Universities came to speak to me and recruit the Aboriginal youth in Sault Ste. Marie. I wanted to let them know what education had given me, why I believe it's important and that each of us had a dream or goal and education can help us achieve that. More importantly, I let them know that I had similar experiences in high school; I was bussed into the city and experienced similar situation and feelings--both negative and positive.
I had a written a speech prior to attending this event, but when I seen the students, I said to myself, "I can't read to them my memorized speech, I have to be as real as I can be. I'm not going to reach them by reading off a 'ready-made script'". I felt the speech went "okay"; I was diagnosed with social anxiety and this makes me analyze, and at time,s over analyze situations in addition to other characteristics.
Canadace Brunette made the visit much more easier and really helped ease me into the situation. If she was not there, I would have been much more anxious and worried before meeting the youth. I also enjoyed speaking to the ScotiaBank representative and asked for feedback to see if I represented ScotiaBank to their liking for the NARMP program.
What made this visit much more easier was that I knew the University liasons. This is because my sister, Taylor Sayers, was the Aboriginal Recruitment Officer for Algoma University and I went on a University recruitment with her and was able to meet them prior to this.
Overall, this visit went well because of the familiarity of the people, the experiences and the encouragement given. I would gladly travel back to London, ON anytime. The youth had a calm confidence and brought back fond memories of highschool.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
McGill First People's Pow Wow 2009
By Amber Asp-Chief
September 25 2009, Montreal, QC
I enjoyed my visit at the McGill First People's Pow Wow. I liked the welcoming of the organizers. I also liked the audience enthusiasm and interest they had for my presentation. Overall I think my visit went good.
September 25 2009, Montreal, QC
I enjoyed my visit at the McGill First People's Pow Wow. I liked the welcoming of the organizers. I also liked the audience enthusiasm and interest they had for my presentation. Overall I think my visit went good.
Friday, September 18, 2009
School Blast Off! Prince Albert, SK
By Damian Abrahams
September 17 2009 School Blast Off! Prince Albert, SK
I enjoyed my trip to Prince Albert, the divided my community visit into parts, one for the younger students and the other for the other older students. Both presentations went well.
There was one particular student in the older crow who was "gunning me of"(glaring at me like he doesn't like me) initially but as I told my story I noticed that he was more interested in what I've been through.
This, I believe, is what I went there for.
September 17 2009 School Blast Off! Prince Albert, SK
I enjoyed my trip to Prince Albert, the divided my community visit into parts, one for the younger students and the other for the other older students. Both presentations went well.
There was one particular student in the older crow who was "gunning me of"(glaring at me like he doesn't like me) initially but as I told my story I noticed that he was more interested in what I've been through.
This, I believe, is what I went there for.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Summer program celebration and Aboriginal girls hockey camp
By Jessica Yee
August 12-13 Whitefish Lake First Nation, ON
This was my first trip to Whitefish Lake First Nation and coupled with the great weather, it was a wonderful experience! Working with youth means you have to be easily adaptable – and luckily since that’s my work day in and day out – I was ready to roll with the punches. The evening I arrived there was a community BBQ and summer fun activities, and after hanging out with the youth I was able to address them with a few opening remarks about Aboriginal pride and culture being a uniting factor amongst us all – regardless of our reasons of being at summer camp, or what sport we play. I was also happy to see some of the older youth at our table of safe sex info – since summer is definitely a time when people hook up!
The next day I was thrilled to work with the Aboriginal girls hockey camp – and I was able to meet some pretty fierce hockey players who were bursting with energy – but also able to talk very frankly about the sexism they have to face being young women who play hockey in a generally male-dominated field, amongst other sports. We worked through several self-esteem building exercises and discussed at length what strong Aboriginal women are doing in our communities, along with claiming our power as young Aboriginal women today and what that means both on the rink or in the school yard. Later that day I stayed to talk to the parents of these strong young women about how much I enjoyed meeting and working with them – and made a small presentation about honouring oneself and each other.
August 12-13 Whitefish Lake First Nation, ON
This was my first trip to Whitefish Lake First Nation and coupled with the great weather, it was a wonderful experience! Working with youth means you have to be easily adaptable – and luckily since that’s my work day in and day out – I was ready to roll with the punches. The evening I arrived there was a community BBQ and summer fun activities, and after hanging out with the youth I was able to address them with a few opening remarks about Aboriginal pride and culture being a uniting factor amongst us all – regardless of our reasons of being at summer camp, or what sport we play. I was also happy to see some of the older youth at our table of safe sex info – since summer is definitely a time when people hook up!
The next day I was thrilled to work with the Aboriginal girls hockey camp – and I was able to meet some pretty fierce hockey players who were bursting with energy – but also able to talk very frankly about the sexism they have to face being young women who play hockey in a generally male-dominated field, amongst other sports. We worked through several self-esteem building exercises and discussed at length what strong Aboriginal women are doing in our communities, along with claiming our power as young Aboriginal women today and what that means both on the rink or in the school yard. Later that day I stayed to talk to the parents of these strong young women about how much I enjoyed meeting and working with them – and made a small presentation about honouring oneself and each other.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Akwesasne Freedom School camp
By Jessica Yee
September 3 2009 Akwesasne, ON
This has been my favourite Role Model visit so far – but I have to admit I’m hugely biased on this one because I got to work with the youth in my mom’s home community of Akwesasne. I have long been a supporter and fan of all the students who have attended the Akwesasne Freedom School, which is a fully culturally integrated school program whose calendar runs in accordance with our 13 longhouse ceremonies throughout the seasons, and something I have always wished I could have attended had I not lived in the city of Toronto.
I already knew the students were going to be amazing – and the visit itself was no less amazing in fact right from the get-go since I was actually picked up at the train station by Parks Canada folks who, interestingly enough, informed me they were fully supportive of our community’s work to retain ownership of lands around the St. Lawrence river. This visit was for the Freedom School’s summer camp which took place at the 1000 Island Park in Gananoque. We gathered in one of the camp recreation centres and got down to business right away workshopping through the themes of respecting and protecting your body and space, and how traditionally that relates to practicing safe sex today.
I am incredibly proud to be Kanionke:haka (Mohawk) and I left the 1000 Islands park even prouder, since I also got to hear from several of the young women about their interests in becoming midwives and carrying on the long-standing tradition of midwifery in our communities.
September 3 2009 Akwesasne, ON
This has been my favourite Role Model visit so far – but I have to admit I’m hugely biased on this one because I got to work with the youth in my mom’s home community of Akwesasne. I have long been a supporter and fan of all the students who have attended the Akwesasne Freedom School, which is a fully culturally integrated school program whose calendar runs in accordance with our 13 longhouse ceremonies throughout the seasons, and something I have always wished I could have attended had I not lived in the city of Toronto.
I already knew the students were going to be amazing – and the visit itself was no less amazing in fact right from the get-go since I was actually picked up at the train station by Parks Canada folks who, interestingly enough, informed me they were fully supportive of our community’s work to retain ownership of lands around the St. Lawrence river. This visit was for the Freedom School’s summer camp which took place at the 1000 Island Park in Gananoque. We gathered in one of the camp recreation centres and got down to business right away workshopping through the themes of respecting and protecting your body and space, and how traditionally that relates to practicing safe sex today.
I am incredibly proud to be Kanionke:haka (Mohawk) and I left the 1000 Islands park even prouder, since I also got to hear from several of the young women about their interests in becoming midwives and carrying on the long-standing tradition of midwifery in our communities.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Visit to War Lake First Nation
By Damian Abrahams
August 4 2009 War Lake First Nations, MB
My visit to War Lake was absolutely amazing! My travel there was by planes, trains, and automobiles...something I'm sure I'll probably never be able to say in awhile! I left Edmonton at 6:30, arrived in Winnipeg by 8:20(MST) and I immediately checked into the hotel. Despite karin telling me there was a pool, I never made use of it. I went to the restaurant, ordered the biggest portion of Nachos and cheese I've ever seen in my life. I was never able to finish them, and rented the Unborn and fell asleep.
I was jolted awake the next morning by my internal clock and a surge of adrenaline, something told me that my timing was off. I glanced at the clock and it was 8 am. My plane left for Thompson at seven. I threw on my clothes and rushed to the airport to see would I could do, "maybe I could get the next plane" I thought and hoped to myself. As it turns out, there were no planes scheduled to leave until 11:30 later that morning. I re-scheduled my flight and called Via Rail to re-schedule my train ticket as well. "The next train to Illford is next Thursday..." the operator told me. "ARE YOU SERIOUS? THAT'S WHEN I AM SUPPOSED TO COME BACK!" I see that sir, are you wanting to re-book that one as well?" I was about ready to turn around and head back to Edmonton.
I sat there in silence looking for a path taht I can take to still make it to Illford. "I've come this far, I can't just turn around" I thought to myself. I never rebooked any of my train tickets. I decided to "act as if" i'm still going to the community visit and put all my itineraries away and sat down to breakfast putting all the stress on the backburner for now.
All of this was happening at the time I was supposed to be landing in Thompson and half way through my breakfast Edna Chornoby, the lady who requested a role model, called me from Thompson wondering where I was. "EDNA!! So glad to hear from you! Nobody is answering at NAHO(It was a holiday) and I just tried calling you. I'm still in Winnipeg, I've missed my plane..." I explained. "Oh dear, will you take the next one" Edna asked in a worried voice. "I've already re-booked my plane ticket but it doesn't land until after the train is supposed to leave and the peopel at Via told me there isn't another one until Thursday"!
Edna told me that the train is always late and to "just come anyway". My flight to Thompson was the most turbulent flight I've ever been on. Ironically the airline that brought me there was called Calm Air. The train ended up being 3 hours late and I ended up sitting at the train station wondering if Harry Potter was ever as stressed as I was taking the train!
We pulled into Illford at dusk; my welcoming committee was what seemed like all the kids of War Lakw and all the mosquitoes in Manitoba. I made my way to the Nursing station to go to sleep. My presentations were both the next day, the first one at 1 pm for the kids, the other being at 7 for the adults. Both presentations went well; at least I fell they did. After each presentation Edna arranged to have a big of feast to which she asked me to pray over the food, something I've never done and felt a bit awkward doing but honoured that she would ask.
The train ride and flight back to Winnipeg were very much the same as heading into Illford. When I got to Winnipeg, I made it a priority to make it to the Health Sciences Centre where Chantelle Chornoby, one of the other role models, is staying during her treatment. All in all my trip to War Lake First Nations were awesome. I am so happy that I was able to go to such a small community, about 150 strong, to tell my story to the people there.
August 4 2009 War Lake First Nations, MB
My visit to War Lake was absolutely amazing! My travel there was by planes, trains, and automobiles...something I'm sure I'll probably never be able to say in awhile! I left Edmonton at 6:30, arrived in Winnipeg by 8:20(MST) and I immediately checked into the hotel. Despite karin telling me there was a pool, I never made use of it. I went to the restaurant, ordered the biggest portion of Nachos and cheese I've ever seen in my life. I was never able to finish them, and rented the Unborn and fell asleep.
I was jolted awake the next morning by my internal clock and a surge of adrenaline, something told me that my timing was off. I glanced at the clock and it was 8 am. My plane left for Thompson at seven. I threw on my clothes and rushed to the airport to see would I could do, "maybe I could get the next plane" I thought and hoped to myself. As it turns out, there were no planes scheduled to leave until 11:30 later that morning. I re-scheduled my flight and called Via Rail to re-schedule my train ticket as well. "The next train to Illford is next Thursday..." the operator told me. "ARE YOU SERIOUS? THAT'S WHEN I AM SUPPOSED TO COME BACK!" I see that sir, are you wanting to re-book that one as well?" I was about ready to turn around and head back to Edmonton.
I sat there in silence looking for a path taht I can take to still make it to Illford. "I've come this far, I can't just turn around" I thought to myself. I never rebooked any of my train tickets. I decided to "act as if" i'm still going to the community visit and put all my itineraries away and sat down to breakfast putting all the stress on the backburner for now.
All of this was happening at the time I was supposed to be landing in Thompson and half way through my breakfast Edna Chornoby, the lady who requested a role model, called me from Thompson wondering where I was. "EDNA!! So glad to hear from you! Nobody is answering at NAHO(It was a holiday) and I just tried calling you. I'm still in Winnipeg, I've missed my plane..." I explained. "Oh dear, will you take the next one" Edna asked in a worried voice. "I've already re-booked my plane ticket but it doesn't land until after the train is supposed to leave and the peopel at Via told me there isn't another one until Thursday"!
Edna told me that the train is always late and to "just come anyway". My flight to Thompson was the most turbulent flight I've ever been on. Ironically the airline that brought me there was called Calm Air. The train ended up being 3 hours late and I ended up sitting at the train station wondering if Harry Potter was ever as stressed as I was taking the train!
We pulled into Illford at dusk; my welcoming committee was what seemed like all the kids of War Lakw and all the mosquitoes in Manitoba. I made my way to the Nursing station to go to sleep. My presentations were both the next day, the first one at 1 pm for the kids, the other being at 7 for the adults. Both presentations went well; at least I fell they did. After each presentation Edna arranged to have a big of feast to which she asked me to pray over the food, something I've never done and felt a bit awkward doing but honoured that she would ask.
The train ride and flight back to Winnipeg were very much the same as heading into Illford. When I got to Winnipeg, I made it a priority to make it to the Health Sciences Centre where Chantelle Chornoby, one of the other role models, is staying during her treatment. All in all my trip to War Lake First Nations were awesome. I am so happy that I was able to go to such a small community, about 150 strong, to tell my story to the people there.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Annual Youth Forum- NAFC
By Alicia Sayers
July 12- July 14 2009 Niagara Falls, ON
I went to Niagara Falls Ontario to speak to Aboriginal youth from across Canada with the National Aboriginal Role Model Spokesperson and Karin Kettler, the Program Coordinator. Going with Karin, Lucie Idlout and Allan made my first visit extremely comfortable! I have nevr been to Niagara Falls or been involved with something for the National Asssociation of Friendship Centres so it was a rewarding and informative event to be a part of. I knew a couple of people from the Friendship Centres and enjoyed interacting with them after my speech!
I was onl speaking for a short amount of time, but for my first visit and being very shy person, I was definitely nervous. The experience was something I will remember for ever - because it was my first visit and being with strong and beautiful youth who were committed to making change and keeping our culture!
Karin made the visit and travel there extremely easy and stress-free! I was not at this event the entire time as i only had a speech sharing my "life" story for 15 minutes; I would have loved to have been apart of the event much longer. I enjoyed speaking to youth but wished I would have had more time to interact and learn from the youth. It was an overall rewarding experience that was very satisfying!
July 12- July 14 2009 Niagara Falls, ON
I went to Niagara Falls Ontario to speak to Aboriginal youth from across Canada with the National Aboriginal Role Model Spokesperson and Karin Kettler, the Program Coordinator. Going with Karin, Lucie Idlout and Allan made my first visit extremely comfortable! I have nevr been to Niagara Falls or been involved with something for the National Asssociation of Friendship Centres so it was a rewarding and informative event to be a part of. I knew a couple of people from the Friendship Centres and enjoyed interacting with them after my speech!
I was onl speaking for a short amount of time, but for my first visit and being very shy person, I was definitely nervous. The experience was something I will remember for ever - because it was my first visit and being with strong and beautiful youth who were committed to making change and keeping our culture!
Karin made the visit and travel there extremely easy and stress-free! I was not at this event the entire time as i only had a speech sharing my "life" story for 15 minutes; I would have loved to have been apart of the event much longer. I enjoyed speaking to youth but wished I would have had more time to interact and learn from the youth. It was an overall rewarding experience that was very satisfying!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Salmon Run
By Suzette Amaya
July 11 2009 Terrace, BC
Terrace :) I had such a wonderful time in this beautiful town of absolute serenity! I would love to thank all the organizers for putting on this much needed and successful event, I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people really dedicate their time to working toward a healthy community.
The Salmon run was amazing I got to introduce myself before the Run commenced and share information about NAHO-- the Role Model Program. It was so exciting because the attendance was so diverse in ethnicity and age, that's sooo cool! I gave the GET READY, GET SET...GO...Seeing so many people passionate about running and fitness and overall participation and well-being was so wonderful! Frankly I was pleased to walk wit the elders in the community and opt out of the full on run..though spending time with the elders in the community was such an honour!
The Samon BBQ rock'd yummy and I was so estatic to help in the giving of medal and acknowledgements! I def would love to come back to this lovely HOCKEY town! and share in more great events.
Thanx for having me! 2010 I would love to come back!!!! Keep working on sharing in mutual interests with community members outside of the Aboriginal community. Terrace is so rich in culture and the environment is immaculate! Intergration and community building will build a healthy community!
July 11 2009 Terrace, BC
Terrace :) I had such a wonderful time in this beautiful town of absolute serenity! I would love to thank all the organizers for putting on this much needed and successful event, I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people really dedicate their time to working toward a healthy community.
The Salmon run was amazing I got to introduce myself before the Run commenced and share information about NAHO-- the Role Model Program. It was so exciting because the attendance was so diverse in ethnicity and age, that's sooo cool! I gave the GET READY, GET SET...GO...Seeing so many people passionate about running and fitness and overall participation and well-being was so wonderful! Frankly I was pleased to walk wit the elders in the community and opt out of the full on run..though spending time with the elders in the community was such an honour!
The Samon BBQ rock'd yummy and I was so estatic to help in the giving of medal and acknowledgements! I def would love to come back to this lovely HOCKEY town! and share in more great events.
Thanx for having me! 2010 I would love to come back!!!! Keep working on sharing in mutual interests with community members outside of the Aboriginal community. Terrace is so rich in culture and the environment is immaculate! Intergration and community building will build a healthy community!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
National Aboriginal Day Celebrations
By Damien Abrahams
June 21 2009 Victoria Island, BC
My speech on Victoria Island, I've been told, was the fastest request for a role model: the day after the announcement of the role role model(s).
Although it was short, five minutes long, I feel I've made an impact on a lot of the audience.
One exciting part is two of the members of the audience were from the same place I came from! (Haida Gwaii). The day before that we toured RCMP Headquarters and one of the sergeants was Haida as well!
All in all I enjoy my short time on Victoria Island!
June 21 2009 Victoria Island, BC
My speech on Victoria Island, I've been told, was the fastest request for a role model: the day after the announcement of the role role model(s).
Although it was short, five minutes long, I feel I've made an impact on a lot of the audience.
One exciting part is two of the members of the audience were from the same place I came from! (Haida Gwaii). The day before that we toured RCMP Headquarters and one of the sergeants was Haida as well!
All in all I enjoy my short time on Victoria Island!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Ouje-Bougoumou Graduation - Magic of the Future
By Heather Watts
June 15 2009 Ouje-Bougoumou, QC
Visiting Ouje-Bougoumou was an experience I will not forget. I was greeted and welcomed into the community by so many warm smiles. This community is very small compared to my own and I admired the sense of inter-connectedness between all of the people. Everyone seemed to know everyone and they all came together to put on an amazing graduation for the Grade 6 students at Waapihtiiwewan School. The gym was decorated so beautifully and all of the graduates looked awesome! I felt so great delivering my speech and I even had the pleasure of sitting with the Chief of Ouje-Bougoumou during the graduation. It really amazed me how well the community worked together to put on a memorable event for the Grade 6 students. I truly admire this community and I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet same very inspirational people.
Nya:wen!
Thank you!
June 15 2009 Ouje-Bougoumou, QC
Visiting Ouje-Bougoumou was an experience I will not forget. I was greeted and welcomed into the community by so many warm smiles. This community is very small compared to my own and I admired the sense of inter-connectedness between all of the people. Everyone seemed to know everyone and they all came together to put on an amazing graduation for the Grade 6 students at Waapihtiiwewan School. The gym was decorated so beautifully and all of the graduates looked awesome! I felt so great delivering my speech and I even had the pleasure of sitting with the Chief of Ouje-Bougoumou during the graduation. It really amazed me how well the community worked together to put on a memorable event for the Grade 6 students. I truly admire this community and I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet same very inspirational people.
Nya:wen!
Thank you!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
"Reaching For You"
By Shaneen Robinson
June 11 2009 Cross Lake, MB
I had a great visit! It was a lot of work, but the kids were very responsive. They asked many questions and loved the prizes and quizzes. I spoke to grades 5,6,7,8-- about 20-30 kids per group or more--they had a lot of fun and were very respectful. They loved that I am from Cross Lake.
June 11 2009 Cross Lake, MB
I had a great visit! It was a lot of work, but the kids were very responsive. They asked many questions and loved the prizes and quizzes. I spoke to grades 5,6,7,8-- about 20-30 kids per group or more--they had a lot of fun and were very respectful. They loved that I am from Cross Lake.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Aboriginal Heritage Day and Quamichan Middle School
By Inez Jasper
May 29 2009, North Cowichan, BC
My trip to Duncan was AMAZING! My day started bright and early as we headed into Vancouver to take a plane ride over to Vancouver Island. It was a beautiful day so the morning flight was breathtaking as we took off from the Vancouver waterfront. I was warmly greeted by four ambassadors fro the Quamichan Middle School. They helped me to set up my table and posted a large sign with my name and title as a 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model.
I presented to the entire school with my powerpoint presentation to wrap up their Aboriginal Heritage Day activities. Before I left, I sang a sogn and signed posters and trading cards for the students. As we drove to the habour airport in Nanimo, I felt energized and excited by the students response to the presentation. Today was a good day.
May 29 2009, North Cowichan, BC
My trip to Duncan was AMAZING! My day started bright and early as we headed into Vancouver to take a plane ride over to Vancouver Island. It was a beautiful day so the morning flight was breathtaking as we took off from the Vancouver waterfront. I was warmly greeted by four ambassadors fro the Quamichan Middle School. They helped me to set up my table and posted a large sign with my name and title as a 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model.
I presented to the entire school with my powerpoint presentation to wrap up their Aboriginal Heritage Day activities. Before I left, I sang a sogn and signed posters and trading cards for the students. As we drove to the habour airport in Nanimo, I felt energized and excited by the students response to the presentation. Today was a good day.
Visit to Chapleau
By Suzette Amaya
May 28 2009 Chapleau, ON
Chapleau is so beautiful, totally reminded me of my home town of Port Hardy, including the rain, lol :). I was excited 10 hours to come to this unticipated school. As I set up my laptop and materials, i felt excitement in the room. I thought the presentation went well, lots of questions and interested youth. and the highlight was Bruce Ma-Goose.
Cool :) We had a blast. I was so touched by all ya students who were stoked about the posters and NAHO swag. You guys rock'd.! Your school is so awesome. Thanks to all the teachers and luved that we got to go to the Grade 7 & * class to take a group photo. Sshweet! Lots of hugs and stay in school. Facebook moi, ha ha.
May 28 2009 Chapleau, ON
Chapleau is so beautiful, totally reminded me of my home town of Port Hardy, including the rain, lol :). I was excited 10 hours to come to this unticipated school. As I set up my laptop and materials, i felt excitement in the room. I thought the presentation went well, lots of questions and interested youth. and the highlight was Bruce Ma-Goose.
Cool :) We had a blast. I was so touched by all ya students who were stoked about the posters and NAHO swag. You guys rock'd.! Your school is so awesome. Thanks to all the teachers and luved that we got to go to the Grade 7 & * class to take a group photo. Sshweet! Lots of hugs and stay in school. Facebook moi, ha ha.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
University of Waterloo Directions Conference
By Suzette Amaya
May 26 2009 Waterloo, ON
I ad a blast in Waterloo :). Hanging out at the University of Waterloo Directors Conference was wonderful. The attendees were so wonderful, I think the presentation went well, yaaay!. I was even more thrilled when the youth after the presentation just wanted to hang out, ask questions, talk about the Twilight Saga and take photos. Thank you to all the organizers I had a great time. My visit totally revived me in so many ways. Def will be keeping in touch :) Facebook moi.
Hugz
May 26 2009 Waterloo, ON
I ad a blast in Waterloo :). Hanging out at the University of Waterloo Directors Conference was wonderful. The attendees were so wonderful, I think the presentation went well, yaaay!. I was even more thrilled when the youth after the presentation just wanted to hang out, ask questions, talk about the Twilight Saga and take photos. Thank you to all the organizers I had a great time. My visit totally revived me in so many ways. Def will be keeping in touch :) Facebook moi.
Hugz
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Young Women's Conference
By Heather Watts
May 22-24 Kenora, ON
While being at the Young Women's conference in Luther Village, I met a lot of amazing people! It was so powerful to have so many strong and determined women in one place! Sharing the Smoke Dance with the group at the opening ceremonies was a great feeling. Most of them had never even heard of the dance, but joined in anyway!
In addition to the wonderful young women in attendance, there were also adult women, most of whom are teachers. Speaking with them and hearing their passion for education only strengthened my goal to become an educator myself, one day. Seeing the young women perform in the talent show and to have been one of the highlights of this visit for me!
These ladies took centre stage with such confidence and enthusiasm in themselves while having a room full of supporters cheering them on. I couldn't help but smile and be happy, there was so much positive energy in the room. I am truly excited to see what is in store for the future. With young women (such as the ones I met on this visit) leading the way, I am confident that great things are going to be happening. I would especially like to thank Donna Kowalski and Aimee Beazley for making me feel so welcome and for their hard work with the 2009 Young Women's Conference.
May 22-24 Kenora, ON
While being at the Young Women's conference in Luther Village, I met a lot of amazing people! It was so powerful to have so many strong and determined women in one place! Sharing the Smoke Dance with the group at the opening ceremonies was a great feeling. Most of them had never even heard of the dance, but joined in anyway!
In addition to the wonderful young women in attendance, there were also adult women, most of whom are teachers. Speaking with them and hearing their passion for education only strengthened my goal to become an educator myself, one day. Seeing the young women perform in the talent show and to have been one of the highlights of this visit for me!
These ladies took centre stage with such confidence and enthusiasm in themselves while having a room full of supporters cheering them on. I couldn't help but smile and be happy, there was so much positive energy in the room. I am truly excited to see what is in store for the future. With young women (such as the ones I met on this visit) leading the way, I am confident that great things are going to be happening. I would especially like to thank Donna Kowalski and Aimee Beazley for making me feel so welcome and for their hard work with the 2009 Young Women's Conference.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Visit to Golden Lake First Nations: Caitlin
By Caitlin Tolley
April 3rd 2009 Golden Lake First Nations, ON
On April 3rd 2009 I had the opportunity to travel to the Algonquin community of Pikwakinagan. When Karin Kettler, Robert Horton and I arrived in Golden Lake we were warmly welcomed by members of the community. They fed us a wonderful dinner then we proceeded ahead with an ice-breaker which was a game of the human knot. Then we decided to have a round circle and that was when Rob and I began the presentation. We had a great circle discussion followed by an intense game of floor hockey.
I would like to thank the Algonquins of Pikwakinagan for welcoming us into their beautiful community.
April 3rd 2009 Golden Lake First Nations, ON
On April 3rd 2009 I had the opportunity to travel to the Algonquin community of Pikwakinagan. When Karin Kettler, Robert Horton and I arrived in Golden Lake we were warmly welcomed by members of the community. They fed us a wonderful dinner then we proceeded ahead with an ice-breaker which was a game of the human knot. Then we decided to have a round circle and that was when Rob and I began the presentation. We had a great circle discussion followed by an intense game of floor hockey.
I would like to thank the Algonquins of Pikwakinagan for welcoming us into their beautiful community.
Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club
By Ry Moran
April 3 2009 Akwesasne, N.Y
We departed from Ottawa for Akwesasne at 3:00 pm. After a brief delay crossing the border, we in Akwesasne, N.Y.
The visit was excellent and the facilities offered an inspiring range of services and programs for the youth.
The discussion was interesting with Nadine, Thomas and James being present!
I hope the participants found the discussion of value. It was a great experience.
April 3 2009 Akwesasne, N.Y
We departed from Ottawa for Akwesasne at 3:00 pm. After a brief delay crossing the border, we in Akwesasne, N.Y.
The visit was excellent and the facilities offered an inspiring range of services and programs for the youth.
The discussion was interesting with Nadine, Thomas and James being present!
I hope the participants found the discussion of value. It was a great experience.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club: Thomas
By Thomas Edwards
April 3, 2009 Akwesasne, N.Y
My visit to Akwesasne was great! As we arrived, we entered the Boys and Girls Club and saw youth participating in various activities. After eating dinner, Ry, James and I spoke to the youth about our stories and where we are in our life. The youth listened very well and had many questions. It was great that the youth had questions regarding our traditions and values because it shows their interest in their own culture and an eagerness to learn more.
James had brought some of his medical tools and the youth were able to look into people's eyes and ears. It was quite the interesting experience. For myself, the trip was even better because I got to meet Aronhiaies Herne, a role model from my year but who I hadn't met before. Although it was our first time meeting face to face, it was like reconnecting with a friend. It was almost like we'd known each other for years!
I had a great time visiting the community. It was my first time visiting there and I look forward to returning some day! The community and the people there were very nice and welcoming and that made the trip so much more enjoyable!
April 3, 2009 Akwesasne, N.Y
My visit to Akwesasne was great! As we arrived, we entered the Boys and Girls Club and saw youth participating in various activities. After eating dinner, Ry, James and I spoke to the youth about our stories and where we are in our life. The youth listened very well and had many questions. It was great that the youth had questions regarding our traditions and values because it shows their interest in their own culture and an eagerness to learn more.
James had brought some of his medical tools and the youth were able to look into people's eyes and ears. It was quite the interesting experience. For myself, the trip was even better because I got to meet Aronhiaies Herne, a role model from my year but who I hadn't met before. Although it was our first time meeting face to face, it was like reconnecting with a friend. It was almost like we'd known each other for years!
I had a great time visiting the community. It was my first time visiting there and I look forward to returning some day! The community and the people there were very nice and welcoming and that made the trip so much more enjoyable!
Visit to Golden Lake, First Nations
By Robert Animikii Horton
April 3 2009, Golden Lake First Nations
We (Karin, Caitlyn, and myself) arrived at Golden Lake First Nation from Ottawa on time and met the youth in the gymnasium as well as even coordinators. We had dinner with the group which was followed by introductions with all the youth. All attending youth were very welcoming and comfortable. They created a poster for us that welcomed us to the community.
Caitlyn, Karin and I facilitated introductions with the youth and we spoke about who inspired them. We shared our stories to these very attentive youth.
Our messages were very positive mine was to remind the youth that they are the leaders and chiefs of tomorrow. This was followed by discussions and drawings for prizes and NARMP quizzes and floor hockey :)
Farewells were very warm and we were welcomed back. I greatly enjoyed the visit and was impressed with how attentive youth were--great kids! Everything flowed and was organized well
April 3 2009, Golden Lake First Nations
We (Karin, Caitlyn, and myself) arrived at Golden Lake First Nation from Ottawa on time and met the youth in the gymnasium as well as even coordinators. We had dinner with the group which was followed by introductions with all the youth. All attending youth were very welcoming and comfortable. They created a poster for us that welcomed us to the community.
Caitlyn, Karin and I facilitated introductions with the youth and we spoke about who inspired them. We shared our stories to these very attentive youth.
Our messages were very positive mine was to remind the youth that they are the leaders and chiefs of tomorrow. This was followed by discussions and drawings for prizes and NARMP quizzes and floor hockey :)
Farewells were very warm and we were welcomed back. I greatly enjoyed the visit and was impressed with how attentive youth were--great kids! Everything flowed and was organized well
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Career Fair 2009
by Shaneen Robinson
March 17, 2009. Pelican Rapids, MB
Completed 3 – 1 hour presentations with about 20 youth in each group.
Great response – a lot of questions and enjoyed prizes.
Spoke about school, center, culture, volunteering, environment, suicide, hard work, positive life, pride, and NARMP.
March 17, 2009. Pelican Rapids, MB
Completed 3 – 1 hour presentations with about 20 youth in each group.
Great response – a lot of questions and enjoyed prizes.
Spoke about school, center, culture, volunteering, environment, suicide, hard work, positive life, pride, and NARMP.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Aboriginal Day: Discovering Our Futures and Honouring Our Past
by Ry Moran
March 10, 2009. Dover Bay, Nanaimo, BC
The visit for me began at about 9:30 in the morning when I departed my home in Victoria and headed to Nanaimo. It was a beautiful sunny day and the drive was a pleasure. I arrived at the school about a half hour early giving me plenty of time to set up my powerpoint presentation.
Students began arriving at 12:30, and after a quick introduction, I began my talk.
Since I was speaking to an audience of business students, music students, and aboriginal youth, I tried to blend all of those subjects into the talk. This wasn’t too hard for me to do because I have a real passion for all of those subjects.
During this talk, I tried to get students to think about all of the many options that are out there for them. I also asked questions, that I hope, got them thinking about some of the bigger questions in how they approach their careers.
These question are easy to say – the Why’s and What If’s – but when applied are, in my opinion, quite powerful and motivating.
One challenge for me in this talk was to keep speaking for 40 full minutes. That is quite a bit of time to prepare for. My powerpoint presentation really only took me through 25 minutes of the talk.
Fortunately for me, I can talk for hours on these topics and did so. We talked about Mentors and how to accelerate personal growth through them. A number of students also ask some really great questions that helped the conversation flow well. All and all, I had a lot of fun and I hope the students got some valuable information out of the talk.
March 10, 2009. Dover Bay, Nanaimo, BC
The visit for me began at about 9:30 in the morning when I departed my home in Victoria and headed to Nanaimo. It was a beautiful sunny day and the drive was a pleasure. I arrived at the school about a half hour early giving me plenty of time to set up my powerpoint presentation.
Students began arriving at 12:30, and after a quick introduction, I began my talk.
Since I was speaking to an audience of business students, music students, and aboriginal youth, I tried to blend all of those subjects into the talk. This wasn’t too hard for me to do because I have a real passion for all of those subjects.
During this talk, I tried to get students to think about all of the many options that are out there for them. I also asked questions, that I hope, got them thinking about some of the bigger questions in how they approach their careers.
These question are easy to say – the Why’s and What If’s – but when applied are, in my opinion, quite powerful and motivating.
One challenge for me in this talk was to keep speaking for 40 full minutes. That is quite a bit of time to prepare for. My powerpoint presentation really only took me through 25 minutes of the talk.
Fortunately for me, I can talk for hours on these topics and did so. We talked about Mentors and how to accelerate personal growth through them. A number of students also ask some really great questions that helped the conversation flow well. All and all, I had a lot of fun and I hope the students got some valuable information out of the talk.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Honour Your Health Challenge Community Dinner
by Ry Moran
March 5, 2009. Brentwood Bay, BC
My visit to Brentwood Bay Elementary Honor Your Health Challenge Community Dinner was a wonderful evening.
The evening consisted of a large number of students being recognized for their abitilty to complete and stick to the Provincial Honor Your Health Challenge. Students were asked to make healthy choices, eat well, drink 8 glasses of water per day and so on.
Since it takes a whole family to support a child in this type of challenge, family members were included in the evening.
My presentation consisted of a five minute talk to the kids. This was a challenge as I had to come up with a motivational talk to young people aged kindergarten to grade 4. I think I came up with a couple of themes that tied into their lives – at least I hope I did!
After my talk, a number of the students sang a traditional song. It really warmed my heart to see these traditions incorporated into the public school system. Both aboriginal and non aboriginal students sang together which was really great.
Afterwards we had a great dinner of chicken, potatoes and salad.
A wonderful night for all.
March 5, 2009. Brentwood Bay, BC
My visit to Brentwood Bay Elementary Honor Your Health Challenge Community Dinner was a wonderful evening.
The evening consisted of a large number of students being recognized for their abitilty to complete and stick to the Provincial Honor Your Health Challenge. Students were asked to make healthy choices, eat well, drink 8 glasses of water per day and so on.
Since it takes a whole family to support a child in this type of challenge, family members were included in the evening.
My presentation consisted of a five minute talk to the kids. This was a challenge as I had to come up with a motivational talk to young people aged kindergarten to grade 4. I think I came up with a couple of themes that tied into their lives – at least I hope I did!
After my talk, a number of the students sang a traditional song. It really warmed my heart to see these traditions incorporated into the public school system. Both aboriginal and non aboriginal students sang together which was really great.
Afterwards we had a great dinner of chicken, potatoes and salad.
A wonderful night for all.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Ecole Phoenix Middle School
by Suzette Amaya
March 3, 2009. Campbell River, BC
When I walked into the classroom I was impressed all the students were so attentive and interested! This classroom is AMAZING, I love that this school teaches Kwakwala, I wish I went to your school, you are all so lucky, being that I am also of the Kwakwala Speaking Peoples (GwaSala-Nakwaxda’xw Nation), and seeing the beautiful Art around the class and such a wonderful supportive teachers!
Thank you for having me in your supa sope classroom, I hope to keep in touch with ya’ll and def be seeing ya at a soccer Tournament in your neck of the wood in the summer! HUGZ! Gilakasla!
March 3, 2009. Campbell River, BC
When I walked into the classroom I was impressed all the students were so attentive and interested! This classroom is AMAZING, I love that this school teaches Kwakwala, I wish I went to your school, you are all so lucky, being that I am also of the Kwakwala Speaking Peoples (GwaSala-Nakwaxda’xw Nation), and seeing the beautiful Art around the class and such a wonderful supportive teachers!
Thank you for having me in your supa sope classroom, I hope to keep in touch with ya’ll and def be seeing ya at a soccer Tournament in your neck of the wood in the summer! HUGZ! Gilakasla!
“Footprints Towards the Future” – Aboriginal Spring Career Fair:
by Suzette Amaya
March 3, 2009. Campbell River, BC
Aaawww… Campbell River, such a beautiful community, just a hop skip and jump to my home town in Port Hardy, I was so honoured to be able to come to speak to youth that are apart of the Kwa Kwala speaking People and share my personal story with those I have so much in common with, growing up in the North Island!
This conference was so well organized and I was so happy to see such a great attendance ;) I was so in Aaawww as the audience was captivated and attentive when I spoke that I felt so grateful to be able to be apart of a conference that had so much to offer. I was supa cool to be able to share my experience a one of the National Role Models and sign posters, take photos etc. that I HOPE and ENCOURAGE this Campbell River to nominate a Role Model out of one of their own, cause I can totally sense that there are definitely healthy and positive youth there are future leaders!
Thanks to the guyz who interviewed and filmed me during my presentation, it was so wonderful to see aspiring youth in Media, which is my absolute FAV niche in the Journey towards Aboriginal Peoples sharing their contemporary stories! Thanks Guyz! HUGZ!
Waws also awesome to be introduced by an o’l friend Dale Hunt whom I went to High School with in Port Hardy ayayayay!!! ;) He is DEF a Role Model as well! Thank you Freda for being such a wonderful Host and all the Ladies who were so kind to me and inspire me with their dedication to the community and the youth! Lotsa HUGZ to all of you and DEF be seeing you in the future! Halakasla and Gilakasla!
March 3, 2009. Campbell River, BC
Aaawww… Campbell River, such a beautiful community, just a hop skip and jump to my home town in Port Hardy, I was so honoured to be able to come to speak to youth that are apart of the Kwa Kwala speaking People and share my personal story with those I have so much in common with, growing up in the North Island!
This conference was so well organized and I was so happy to see such a great attendance ;) I was so in Aaawww as the audience was captivated and attentive when I spoke that I felt so grateful to be able to be apart of a conference that had so much to offer. I was supa cool to be able to share my experience a one of the National Role Models and sign posters, take photos etc. that I HOPE and ENCOURAGE this Campbell River to nominate a Role Model out of one of their own, cause I can totally sense that there are definitely healthy and positive youth there are future leaders!
Thanks to the guyz who interviewed and filmed me during my presentation, it was so wonderful to see aspiring youth in Media, which is my absolute FAV niche in the Journey towards Aboriginal Peoples sharing their contemporary stories! Thanks Guyz! HUGZ!
Waws also awesome to be introduced by an o’l friend Dale Hunt whom I went to High School with in Port Hardy ayayayay!!! ;) He is DEF a Role Model as well! Thank you Freda for being such a wonderful Host and all the Ladies who were so kind to me and inspire me with their dedication to the community and the youth! Lotsa HUGZ to all of you and DEF be seeing you in the future! Halakasla and Gilakasla!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Pauktuuti Sexual Health Conference
by Jennifer Williams
February 24 – 27, 2009. Kuujjuaq, QC
I had arrived in Kuujjuaq and met up with a lot of people I had known from previous conferences and had not seen in a long while so that was great! There were also a lot of new faces that I was glad to meet. The area where the conference was being held was very open and great, I was glad they had the tables all put in a very large circle.
The community was very welcoming and the land very beautiful. I met a girl who was wearing a very beautiful caribou fur kamiks and told her I HAD to have a pair like it, so I got her email and name to keep in contact. Later that day I looked at the name and noticed it was “Mesher” which is my Great-Grandfather’s last name. So I asked her where her family was from and she told me Labrador, so we found out that her Grandfather and my Great-Grandfather were brothers and I had a whole lot of cousins who lives in Kuujjuaq that I didn’t even know about!
We cisited the high school as well and that went very good, I seen all of these years role model’s posters laminated, some of the kids recognized me from the poster. The presentations all went very well and I hope to visit Kuujuaq again some time for sure!!
At the conference I gave a 20 min. presentation, first I spoke about who I was, where I am living now and where I am from. I told them about the many travels I have been on and told it all in order from when I started travelling as a teenager. I spoke of the hard way I had to grow up and the many obstacles I had to overcome to get where I am at today and told them it is very possible for them to do the same.
I had a slideshow presentation of photos to show starting from about 5 years ago up to now all in order from the things I have been doing. I played music in the background and also had inspirational quotes in between each phase of what I was doing in the photos. The presentation went very well and everyone was very quiet and concentrated on what I was saying and showing them. There were about 50 or more youth.
I also facilitated the group workshops for the conference. I did a presentation in the high school as well with about 10 students. There were 3 other youth from the conference learning facilitating and helping out to speak. We spoke to the kids about sexual health and playe some games where we asked them questions about sexual health and when they answered I gave them a prize from the NARMP box I had with me.
I explained about the role model program at both presentations and also went to a few other classrooms after my presentation in the high school class to tell the students about the program and to hand out brochures and info, I also dropped off info at the school office to be handed out if anyone wanted it. Everything went very well and it was a successful trip.
I had a lot of positive feedback from the youth at the conference, I was told by them that they did learn a lot and were inspired by what I had to say.
February 24 – 27, 2009. Kuujjuaq, QC
I had arrived in Kuujjuaq and met up with a lot of people I had known from previous conferences and had not seen in a long while so that was great! There were also a lot of new faces that I was glad to meet. The area where the conference was being held was very open and great, I was glad they had the tables all put in a very large circle.
The community was very welcoming and the land very beautiful. I met a girl who was wearing a very beautiful caribou fur kamiks and told her I HAD to have a pair like it, so I got her email and name to keep in contact. Later that day I looked at the name and noticed it was “Mesher” which is my Great-Grandfather’s last name. So I asked her where her family was from and she told me Labrador, so we found out that her Grandfather and my Great-Grandfather were brothers and I had a whole lot of cousins who lives in Kuujjuaq that I didn’t even know about!
We cisited the high school as well and that went very good, I seen all of these years role model’s posters laminated, some of the kids recognized me from the poster. The presentations all went very well and I hope to visit Kuujuaq again some time for sure!!
At the conference I gave a 20 min. presentation, first I spoke about who I was, where I am living now and where I am from. I told them about the many travels I have been on and told it all in order from when I started travelling as a teenager. I spoke of the hard way I had to grow up and the many obstacles I had to overcome to get where I am at today and told them it is very possible for them to do the same.
I had a slideshow presentation of photos to show starting from about 5 years ago up to now all in order from the things I have been doing. I played music in the background and also had inspirational quotes in between each phase of what I was doing in the photos. The presentation went very well and everyone was very quiet and concentrated on what I was saying and showing them. There were about 50 or more youth.
I also facilitated the group workshops for the conference. I did a presentation in the high school as well with about 10 students. There were 3 other youth from the conference learning facilitating and helping out to speak. We spoke to the kids about sexual health and playe some games where we asked them questions about sexual health and when they answered I gave them a prize from the NARMP box I had with me.
I explained about the role model program at both presentations and also went to a few other classrooms after my presentation in the high school class to tell the students about the program and to hand out brochures and info, I also dropped off info at the school office to be handed out if anyone wanted it. Everything went very well and it was a successful trip.
I had a lot of positive feedback from the youth at the conference, I was told by them that they did learn a lot and were inspired by what I had to say.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Middle Years Respect Assembly
by Channing Lavallée
February 6, 2009. Yellowquill School: Portage La Prairie, MB
My visit to Yellowquill School was a very great experience. When I first arrived at the school I was very nervous to be presenting to such a large group of youth.
However my nerves calmed once I got to meet some of the students.
Mrs. Adamson as well as the rest of the Yellowquill faculty and students were very hospitable.
I truly enjoyed presenting to the students and hope that I was able to have a positive influence on them. I look forward to my next community visit.
February 6, 2009. Yellowquill School: Portage La Prairie, MB
My visit to Yellowquill School was a very great experience. When I first arrived at the school I was very nervous to be presenting to such a large group of youth.
However my nerves calmed once I got to meet some of the students.
Mrs. Adamson as well as the rest of the Yellowquill faculty and students were very hospitable.
I truly enjoyed presenting to the students and hope that I was able to have a positive influence on them. I look forward to my next community visit.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Junior High School and High School Presentations
by Jenna Kilabuk
February 2-3, 2009. Pond Inlet, Nunavut
I had lots of fun in Pond Inlet, even though I was there for a couple of nights – it was amazing.
The youth were very welcoming & enjoyed my presentation. The students were athletic too, as I played volley ball with the Junior Girls.
Lots to learn about the community and their way of life. Thank you so much!
February 2-3, 2009. Pond Inlet, Nunavut
I had lots of fun in Pond Inlet, even though I was there for a couple of nights – it was amazing.
The youth were very welcoming & enjoyed my presentation. The students were athletic too, as I played volley ball with the Junior Girls.
Lots to learn about the community and their way of life. Thank you so much!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Blueprint for the Future NAHO
by Jessica Dunkley
January 13-14, 2009. Ottawa, ON
This was my second Blueprint for the Future and it’s well organized. The opening and closing ceremonies are full of music and singers. For all teens, it’s a great event to go to.
I gave three presentations with NAHO. NAHO gave the teens a glimpse at different health careers and I closed the presentations with my experiences in medical school. I started talking about how I wanted to be an ice-cream vendor and never thought to about becoming a medical doctor.
My presentation was a perfect touch to finish the NAHO’s presentation because it can be hard to visualize what it’s like to go through the process of university. Because I was there, O was able to explain to them what it’s really like and what kind of support is out there for us!
I also brought my beaded electrictronic stethoscope. Some people were intrigued by the beading. I show them picture throughout medical school.
January 13-14, 2009. Ottawa, ON
This was my second Blueprint for the Future and it’s well organized. The opening and closing ceremonies are full of music and singers. For all teens, it’s a great event to go to.
I gave three presentations with NAHO. NAHO gave the teens a glimpse at different health careers and I closed the presentations with my experiences in medical school. I started talking about how I wanted to be an ice-cream vendor and never thought to about becoming a medical doctor.
My presentation was a perfect touch to finish the NAHO’s presentation because it can be hard to visualize what it’s like to go through the process of university. Because I was there, O was able to explain to them what it’s really like and what kind of support is out there for us!
I also brought my beaded electrictronic stethoscope. Some people were intrigued by the beading. I show them picture throughout medical school.
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