Young people from northern Manitoba in Winnipeg learning to lead
Young people from northern Manitoba are in Winnipeg this week to learn to be leaders.
So naturally, one of the first things they did, was go to a Winnipeg Jets' practice at the MTS Iceplex.
It's one of a long list of activities they'll do and places they'll visit on a four-day trip with a program called YouthXcel.
It's a joint project by the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba (TRCM) and the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC), as well as the province.
Darla McFarlane, program director of YouthXcel and the director of partnerships and facilitation at the TRCM, said the point is to inspire the young people.
"We want kids to have opportunity," she said. "We are giving them as many opportunities as we can to try new things."
There are 40 teens and young adults from some of Manitoba's most remote communities; Berens River, Shamattawa, Pauingassi, Lac Brochet and Duck Bay. About another 20 people, who have gone through the WASAC program, are there as mentors.
"What we really want these kids to do is engage and to become inspired to be leaders of positive change in their own communities, which we all know many of them are facing some pretty unique challenges," McFarlane said.
Over the course of the four days, the young people will also write hip hop songs, visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, compete in an outdoor obstacle course and attend We Day.
Torie Leeder, 20, a chaperone for the group, said part of the challenge is to also do some soul searching and learn about themselves, and what it takes to be a good role model.
"This is how others see me and this is how I see myself," she said, using herself as an example. "I think I'm supportive, a little bit of a drama queen and caring."
Angus Berens, 19, from Berens River said he's already inspired to help youth back home.
"Try and get them in the right direction," he said. "Try and get them off of drugs and off the streets and get them to do better stuff."
Marsha Berens, 16, said she shares a trait with many others at the conference, shyness, something she is inspired to work on this week.
"Sometimes you have to get out of your shell in order to become a leader," she said.
Also on the list of subjects they'll tackle, social justice and human rights.
"What we get them thinking about [are] some of the personal traits they have and find the things that they care about," McFarlane said.
"And they can go out there and be of service to others and make great things happen in the world."
Before she got involved with the youth program six years ago, Trina Miles of Shamattawa used drugs and alcohol.
Now, the 21 year old is a 'champion teacher' through the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre.
She said the young people at the conference should know they are the future of their First Nations.
"There's always hope for a young person out there," she said. "Just speak out and - what's the word? Take action!"
