first nations youth wellness gathering · first nations youth ... on youth beatboard education and...

Sts’ailes Lhawathet LalemChehalis Healing Lodge Harrison Mills, BC

FIRST NATIONS YOUTHWELLNESS GATHERING

OCTOBER 24 - 26, 2008

Finding

The

Strength

Within

“Thank You to all of the Elders, Youth, Support Workers, and Facilitators & Hosts who made this event possible.” [ ]

Chehalis Healing Lodge Harrison Mills, BC

Sts’ailes Lhawathet Lalem

We Asked YouthYouth FeedbackIntroductionBackgroundNext StepsProgram HighlightsMeet & GreetCultural ActivitiesLeisure TimeElders

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FIRST NATIONS YOUTH WELLNESS GATHERINGF i n d i n g T h e S t r e n g t h W i t h i n

October 24th & 26th 2008

Table Of Contents

First Nation CommunitiesHealth RegionsAgesGenderEldersAttendancePartners In AttendanceGuest Speakers & FacilitatorsLogistics

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Gathering

2008 FIRST NATIONS YOUTH WELLNESS GATHERING 4

“Our culture is very important.”

“I liked the breakdancing and the Elders talking to us about our life.”

“It helped me break out of my egg and talk to new people.”

“We are all medicine.”

“I learned that many First Nations people are very talented and have gotten far.”

“I’ve learned how to step out of my comfort zone. I feel less shy.”

“Everyone has a say so I learned that I have to listen to everyone.”

“I learned that you would be happy if you do what you love doing.”

“Be who you want to be and stay true to yourself.”

“Seeing more people from different places.”

“I may have not participated much but it doesn’t mean I didn’t learn anything.”

“Never Give Up”“Opened my world to a new view.”

“I may have not participated much but it doesn’t mean I didn’t learn anything.”

[ Feedback From Our Youth ]

FINDING THE STRENGTH WITHIN 5

WHAT CREATES HEALTHY COMMUNITIES, FAMILIES & INDIVIDUALS?

HEALTHY COMMUNITYActive participation from community membersPhysically clean environments encourage pride Access to cultural teachingsPositive change

Valuing friendship supports healthy communitiesOpen minded leadershipAcceptance & toleranceMethods for open communicationEmployment opportunitiesA feeling of togetherness

Strong cultural ties are essential for supporting identity

HEALTHY FAMILYDiscipline Cooperation

AffectionIdentityHelpful

Respect Accountability

BoundariesUnitedTrust

Accepting

Guidance Joy

Spirituality Structure

Participation

ClearCompromiseHonesty

Responsibility

Encouragement

Compassion

HEALTHY INDIVIDUALSCulturally active

Honest

Strong mind

Valuing educationPhysical exerciseIndividuality

Confidence

PositivityGoal setting Open mindednessSelf respect

Nutrition Balance

HygieneIndependent Humility

Taking on mentorship roles early in life

Taking creative risksEngaged in life

[ Feedback From Our Youth ]


First Nations youth experience suicide rates four to five times higher than the non-Aboriginal population. The Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan has the issues facing our youth as a priority. Youth themselves hold the key to confronting the challenge and are taking active part in the process of change.

A Youth Committee was formed in August 2008 to plan a Youth Wellness Gathering which would empower First Nations youth and provide opportunities for them to learn to positively express themselves. The gathering, called “Finding the Strength Within,” was held at Sts’sailes Lhawathet Lalem, Chehalis Healing House, Harrison Mills, from October 24th to 26th, 2008. The participants experienced a positive atmosphere of traditional culture, inspiring speakers, and friendship.

It was anticipated that the Youth would go back into their communities with new skills and a greater vision of what a healthier, and safer community could be. The gathering provided a foundation for the upcoming Regional Spring Break Camps that are being planned, and the 2009 fall Provincial Youth Conference.

[ Introduction ]

It opened up my world to a new way of seeing.- Youth Participant

I liked the breakdancing and the Elders talking to us about life.- Youth Participant

“”

“”


[ Background ]

The First Nations Health Council was created in 2007 to implement the 10 year Tripartite Health Plan on behalf of BC First Nations. The Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan identifies priorities of action to close the gap between First Nations and other British Columbians. The action item that guides the work of addressing the First Nations Youth suicide issue states, “The First Nations Leadership Council and the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport are hosting this conference for First Nations Elders and youth, representatives from regional health authorities and Ministry of Children, and Family mental health teams to support and encourage learning about First Nations heritage, cultures and spirituality, and develop models of youth suicide prevention. “

In February, 2007 approximately 150 First Nations youth, chaperones and Elders from across BC attended “Courage, Strength and Identity,” the Provincial Forum on First Nations Youth Suicide in Vancouver. Hosted by the First Nations Chief’s Health Committee, the forum gathered to address suicide rates and addiction issues among First Nations youth in BC. In the upcoming forums the focus will be on First Nations heritage and culture and developing models to address First Nations Youth Suicide Prevention.

The Youth Committee provided input and direction for the Finding Strength Within - Youth Wellness Gathering. The Youth committee members were Ken Watts (Vancouver Island), Toni Williams (Vancouver Island), Candice George (Northern Region), Marissa Nahanee (Vancouver Coastal), Lester Todd Alec (Vancouver Island), and Jordan Joseph (Vancouver Coastal). The youth committee members encouraged the conference coordinators to think outside the box by inviting speakers and holding activities that would really engage the youth. By inviting speakers focused on youth Beatboard Education and Training were hired to facilitate the Youth Wellness Gathering. Beatboard has expertise in youth empowerment workshops and engaging youth with music and dance.

[ Next Steps ]

Step 1Continue building self esteem, leadership skills, motivation and social inclusion which are protective factors for suicide prevention and resiliency. Action: Youth consultation and contacting youth engagement experts.

Step 2Increase the participation and investment of stakeholders, Health Authorities, Aboriginal Health Leads and executive members with their contribution with the overarching goals of the youth camps. Action: Executive build existing relationships; teleconferences will encourage and solicit commitment and participation towards the project goals and objectives.

Step 3Enhance the cultural and spirituality component delivered at the forum by and for First Nations Elders and youth. Action: Engage with Elders and traditional teachers to provide a knowledge base and develop models for delivering the cultural and spiritual component of the youth forum.

Step 4Increase awareness and understanding of suicide among First Nation youth by showcasing promising practices. Action: Showcasing one youth camp from each Health region at the forum.


[ Program Highlights ]

Friday October 24, 2008

Keynote Speaker

Inez is a registered nurse in Chilliwack, British Columbia. She is very committed to her work as a community health nurse and homecare nurse for Stó:lō Nation Health Services. She has also participated in community consultations to advise local nursing programs on how to create Aboriginal nursing programs.

Inez, 27, spends her spare time canoe racing, learning the Halq’eméylem language and recording songs. She has been able to glean many gifts of stories and ceremonies from her Stó:lō, Ojibway and Métis backgrounds, which are reflected in her songs. She recorded a hip hop/R&B CD, “Gold,” with her friend, Okalani LeBlanc. She has also competed in war canoe races with the Five Star Canoe Club and the Autumn Rose Canoe Club.

Inez believes, “Once you’ve discovered your passion, work for the people: strong people make strong healthy nations.”

Saturday October 25, 2008

Promising Practices Facilitator Jody Olsson, Note-taker Jean Allbeury. The chaperones, partners and Elders met to discuss best and promising practices. Denelle Spencer from Aboriginal MCFD showcased her new animated video regarding youth mental health. Jody and Jean shared the resource Canoe Journey – Life’s Journey and began a discussion on how to start a boys/girls group. The Boys Group Train the Trainer DVD was shown.

Spirituality and Empowerment Workshop Facilitators Shane Point and Gerry Oleman spent time with the youth discussing tradition and spiritual ways. This was a way to welcome the youth and prepare them to build on their strengths. Shane and Gerry spoke on healing and the intergenerational impacts of residential school on our communities.

Beatboard During the afternoon session the youth were divided into groups and spent time with some of the entertainers from the previous evening. The Youth could choose from fancy dancing, spoken word, traditional drumming and rap workshops.

Sunday October 26, 2008

Interactive workshops Facilitators Mike Sheehan, Shyman Priya, Wes Nahanee, Stone Foxx. Sunday morning was spent in an interactive workshop exploring prevalent stereotypes and looking beyond the surface of a person and being open to discovering who a person really is. The youth then turned their focus to addressing what a healthy community, family and individual looks like.


[ Meet & Greet ]

Beatboard Mike Sheehan from Beatboard took the stage and engaged the youth into some interactive activities. He created a comfortable environment that allowed the youth to feel at ease with each other. Following the meet and greet, the following entertainers took the stage.

The Now or Never Crew – World Class Break Dancing TroupeTraditional Hoop Dancer – Stacy Da SilvaFancy Dancer – Shyman PriyaRap performers – Stone Foxx

[ Cultural Activities ]Cedar bark weaving | Geraldine Tom, Nuu Chah Nulth Nation.

Geraldine created a safe space for the youth to focus their energy on a cultural activity. She demonstrated how to make a cedar bark rose or a cedar bark headband. This gave the youth an opportunity to connect with an Elder and learn cultural teachings.

Sweat lodge | Rocky LaRock, Chehalis.

Shared his traditional knowledge of the sweat lodge. He held 3 sweats over the weekend – one for boys, one for girls and one for adults.

Drumming | Wes Nahanee, Squamish.

As part of Beatboard entertainment, Wes performed several Traditional songs, drumming and cultural teachings.

Cultural Teaching | Shane Pointe, Musqueam, and Gerry Oleman, Lillooet.

Shared their traditional knowledge.


[ Leisure Time ]

Activities for the youth included:

Rock climbing wallOutdoor Gym was used for basketballHockey SoccerWalks along the river

Saturday night the Youth were given a choice to go to the local haunted house or swim at the hot springs in Harrison.

I learned that you would be happy if you do what you love doing.- Youth Participant

I learned that many First Nations people are very talented and have gotten far.- Youth Participant

“”

“

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First Nations Communities

Health Regions

[ Gathering ]


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Age in Years

Age Range of Participants

Ages

Gender

[ Gathering ]


[ Partners In Attendance ] - Hon. Mary Polack, Ministry of Healthy Living & Sport, MLA – Langley- Clint Kuzio, A/Director, Aboriginal Health- Janice Murphy, Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord- Dee Mitchell, Fraser Health, Mental Health Liaison- Denelle Spencer, Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health Planning Coordinator, MCFD- Judy Davies, VCH, Child & Youth Suicide Clinician

[ Guest Speakers & Facilitators ]- Inez Jasper, National Aboriginal Health Organization Role Model Program- Honourable Mary Polack, Ministry of Healthy Living & Sport, MLA – Langley- Mike Sheehan, Beatboard- The Now or Never Crew, world class break dancing Troup- Stacy Da Silva, Traditional Hoop Dancer- Shyman Priya, Fancy Dancer- Stone Foxx, Rap performers- Shane Point, Culture Knowledge Keepers- Gerry Oleman, Culture Knowledge Keepers- Rocky LaRock, Sweat Keeper- Wes Nahanee, Traditional Knowledge Keeper- Geraldine Tom, Traditional Cedar Bark Weaver

[ Logistics ]Sts’sailes Lhawathet Lalem, Chehalis Healing House - a year round retreat facility and wellness centre with a focus on Health and Wellness – is owned and operated by the Chehalis First Nation. The Chehalis people live nearby in the community of Chehalis on the banks of the beautiful Harrison River. They are part of the Coast Salish First Nation culture.

The facility has two meeting rooms, a games room, 16 sleeping rooms with bunk beds and laundry facilities. The large dining hall is supported by a full service kitchen and is capable of feeding up to 150 people. Next to the lodge there is a covered gymnasium, a large playing field, an adventure challenge ropes course, a rock climbing wall, and a path along the river for walks. For cultural practices there is a sweat lodge and fire pit.

Three Elders attended, they provided cultural and spiritual guidance to the youth attending the gathering:

1. Margaret Brown, Bella Bella, BC2. Rosemary Trehearne, Chilliwack, BC3. Ang Hanson, Chehalis, BB

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[ Attendance ]Youth ChaperonesElders

[ Elders ]

[ Gathering ]

[ Notes ]

#1205 - 100 Park Royal SouthVancouver, BC V7T 1A2Phone: 604-913-2080Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033Fax: 604-913-2081Email: [email protected]: www.fnchc.ca

FIRST NATIONS HEALTH COUNCIL

first nations youth wellness gathering · first nations youth ... on youth beatboard education and...

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