Lyle Keewatin Richards (left) and We Matter ambassadot Logan Beauchamp speak with students at a recent conference for Indigenous youth. (Red Deer Public Schools)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

building a deeper connection

Indigenous Grade 8s from around central Alberta gather for conference

May 28, 2023 | 9:10 AM

More than 100 Indigenous Grade 8 students from around central Alberta gathered earlier this month for the Inspiring Success Youth Conference.

Sponsored by We Matter and Canadian Roots Exchange, the event brought kids together from Red Deer Public Schools, STAR Catholic Schools, Wolf Creek Public Schools and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

At the conference, which was held at Red Deer Polytechnic, they heard from Indigenous leaders and met new friends, some of whom they’ll be attending high school with in September.

“It is deeply impactful to bring young Indigenous students together to meet new friends, learn about their culture and be inspired by Indigenous mentors,” said Hayley Christen, Learning Services Coordinator with Red Deer Public Schools.

“The event was held at Red Deer Polytechnic so students can get a feel for what post-secondary education could be like for them. I hope the day inspired the students to dream big, and get excited about their futures.”

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Christen adds that the conference allows students to build a deeper sense of strength, belonging, identity and pride in their Indigenous heritage.

Throughout the day, students took part in different sessions, including tipi teachings, Métis finger weaving, Elder protocol and tobacco teachings, and Indigenous games.

Participants also had the opportunity to hear the personal journeys of several Indigenous Red Deer Polytechnic students, listen to encouraging words from local elders, and take a tour of Red Deer Polytechnic.

“It was a great event for youth and community members from RDCRS, RDPSD, STAR and Wolf Creek to come together and celebrate our students and Indigenous culture,” said Jonathan Mauro, Coordinator of Indigenous Education Services, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

“Events like this conference allow us to embrace our responsibility to foster and develop the potential of our young people so that they can become empowered, resilient, and confident contributors to our society. We are in good hands with the youth we had today, being leaders in the future.”

We Matter, one of the sponsors, was represented at the conference by their ambassador Logan Beauchamp, an RDP alumnus.

“Indigenous Youth are our [Indigenous] future, they are change-makers, and they are healers. I am so proud to again be a part of the efforts to bring this conference to the Indigenous youth of Red Deer and central Alberta,” said Beauchamp.

“By bringing in local Indigenous groups, leaders, and organizations, in combination with these two national organizations, we’ve introduced these youth to a vast array of possibilities and opportunities for them to take. Whether they are urban, rural, or living on the res, Indigenous youth need to know that we are here to help them succeed, and we’re doing what we can to ensure they have the opportunities to do so. I believe this conference achieves exactly that.”