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!