By paNOW

Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation celebrates Youth Week

Feb 21, 2018 | 9:00 AM

There won’t be much sitting around while students are on February break in the Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation.

The community gathered to host a youth week in place of their annual winter festival activities to keep youth active and engaged in their community, according to Councillor Kevin Seeseequasis.

“We’ve hit a few stumbling blocks, but we’re dusting off and back on track and our week looks to be a fantastic success so far,” Seeseequasis said.

The week kicked off with a customer appreciation breakfast which was hosted by Blackhawks Grill & Pizza and public skate on Family Day; the evening was capped by a talent show. A scavenger hunt was organized and hosted on Feb. 20.

On Wednesday, Feb. 21, a culture day was originally planned but Seeseequasis said those plans fell through. In place of the culture days, a mini-powwow will be hosted. On Feb. 22, sports days and a family movie night will be hosted in Beardy’s.

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The celebrations wrap up with a Youth and Elder conference on Friday, Feb. 23.

“We’re going to be sitting our youth together with our Elders to discuss some of the issues in our community, talking about the way forward and how youth and Elders can work together to support some of our governance initatives,” Seeseequasis said.

He said youth have an opportunity to learn about Treaty and Inherent rights like the right to self-determination at the youth and Elder conference. The week is capped off with a fireworks display and a video dance, which is open to all ages.

Seeseequasis said so far the event has been “fantastic,” and youth are responding positively to the activities.  

“We’re really just excited to give our kids those opportunities,” Seeseequasis said. “We’re encouraging all of our community members to participate; we’ve got lots going on.”

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas