The 1st Annual Aboriginal Youth Conference “Empower your Dreams” at Fishing Lake First Nation was an overwhelming success. Hosted by the Fishing Lake Youth Group Inc. and sponsored by the Community Development Corporation, Empower Your Dreams was geared towards empowerment and leadership for High School Students from grades 9-12. 

Empower your Dreams was a great success with speakers coming to share their knowledge and stories on Aboriginal awareness, self esteem, empowerment, and leadership with 150 high school students. Grade 11 student Darian Sunshine said that John Lagimodiere presenting on Empowering Youth through Aboriginal Awareness was his favorite speaker because he talked about the treaties and Aboriginal issues that Indigenous people face historically and currently.

The amazing lineup of speakers included Marcia Natowcappo, Jamie Desjarlais, John Lagimodiere, Candy Fox, Simon Moccasin, Michael & Kaya Palmer and performances by InfoRed and Thunder Eagle Drum Group.  Students from Fishing Lake First Nation, Wadena Composite High, Carlton Trail College- Wynyard & Fishing Lake, Keeseekoose Composite Education Centre, Nakoda Oyade Education Centre, 4 Directions and Kelliher packed the Percy Severight Hall in Kylemore.

“As an organizer our main goal was to ensure that the youth are taking away a positive message that inspires them to dream a better future for themselves,” said Osawa Kiniw Kayseas, the organizer of the event. “We would like to thank all the students, teachers, chaperones, and volunteers, First Nations University of Canada, University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, Carlton Trail College and Parkland Regional College for setting up booths at this event. And for sure a big thanks to the Fishing Lake Youth Group, Community Development Corporation, Chief Derek Sunshine and the Councillors of the Fishing Lake First Nation for supporting this event and investing in our Youth.”

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