North of 60 Actor Dakota House led the conference with Scott Ward. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Motivation

North of 60 actor brings Going MILES youth conference to tri-communities

Aug 21, 2019 | 3:06 PM

Children North is hosting its first ever youth conference called Going MILES with Actor Dakota House and Mentalist Scott Ward.

The two-day conference began Wednesday at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) and is meant for tri-community residents between the ages of 12 to 25. Children North Executive Director Daina Lapworth stated one of the organization’s staff members had seen the presentations before, so they knew the conference would be a hit with locals.

“A few months back we had a whole bunch of suicides happening in the community and we just felt we needed to do something that was a little bit more geared towards of clientele,” Lapworth said. “We reached out to Dakota and thought this would be a great program for all of the youth, not just youth with special needs. We have everybody here today.”

House, who is known for his role with the CBC television series North of 60, has been leading the Going MILES youth conference with Ward since 2004. The duo speak about a number of causes such as drugs and alcohol, bullying, suicide, self-esteem, confidence, raising spirits and having youth focus on their future career paths. House mentioned Going MILES is an acronym for motivate, inspire, lead, empower and success.

House also noted the main goal of the conference is to set an example to live by so youth can succeed. He called the workshop interactive and engaging, adding it’s done using a hands-on, grassroots approach.

BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY

From fines to treats: Lloydminster rewards good deeds with Positive Ticketing Program

7h ago

Back-to-school help

North Battleford mom launches school supply drive

7h ago

PAGC Urban Services supplies 1,500 kids with back-to-school essentials

8h ago

“Life is what you make it, not what it makes you,” House said. “You can do and be anything you want in life.”

The public is invited to a special show Wednesday at the JRMCC. Between 7 and 7:30 p.m., House and Ward will perform a mentalist act before guest entertainer Sean Watson does an illusionist show from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost of the show is $5, but it’s free for conference attendees.

While the conference only began today, Lapworth stated she’s already impressed by what she has seen.

“I can see us doing more of these,” she said. “We have 22 staff now, so it’s a little bit easier when we have more people. We had an amazing response from the community and a lot of support.”

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno