|
Atikameg youth learn the 'Power of Choice'
Mac Olsen
Lakeside Leader
Twelve Aboriginal youth can follow new directions in life after completing ‘Power of Choice’ in Atikameg.
With parents and friends present, they participated in a graduation ceremony at Atikameg School Aug. 22. Each youth had the opportunity to speak about what they learned from this self-empowerment program and all received certificates for completing it.
Two youth exemplify the transformation that’s possible with ‘Power of Choice’. Rayna Cunningham, 23, learned how to confront issues and her emotions, communicate better and she acquired problem-solving skills too. She also learned what her mission in life is.
“That helped me get back on track. It was really shocking that I had that inside myself the whole time, but I just had to find it,” says Cunningham.
She recommends the program to others.
“It can open their eyes to see there’s more to life than just drugs, drinking and other stuff. There’s more out there.”
Cunningham wants to enrol at EvelineCharles Academy or the Marvel Beauty School in Edmonton and become an aesthetician. She also wants to become a foster parent.
Ryan Whitehead, 18, is very ambitious and nothing will stop him. Not even a broken arm during the seven-week program prevented him from participating, as he used his other hand to write. He, too, discovered new truths about himself through the program and has a new desire to excel in life.
“What stood out for me was the communication, getting involved with other people, learning how to communicate and work in the outside world,” says Whitehead.
He was one of only two boys in the program and he felt nervous talking to the girls.
“But I got over it and this class really helped me find out about myself. I’m aware that I’m a humorous guy and ambitious. I do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
He also learned it’s important to care about what other people think of them.
“You should care what people think because you’re like a mirror to (them). Whatever they say to us, they’re mirroring themselves to our point of view.”
Whitehead wants to finish high school and go on to post-secondary education. His goal is to run his own business and his thoughts are with construction or music production. He too recommends ‘Power of Choice’ to others.
“It played a big change in my life and it’ll make big change in everybody else’s.”
Marcie Potskin was one of the people to work with the youth and she had a difficult job at the outset. It was four weeks before the youth were able to start communicating with each other.
“There was still a lot of fear and hesitation so we really had to work through that. We really had to … dig in our heels and pull out some of those fears and walk through them together as a team,” says Potskin.
They also had to communicate what they believe, think and feel; how they’re going to respond by action or reaction; and determine where they go from there.
“Once they’ve discovered all of that, they can communicate that and articulate it within themselves. Then they’re able to go and build those bridges with other individuals and start building those relationships,” says Potskin.
After finishing this process, they explored family dynamics and determined where they fit in the family and where their family fits within the community. Then they looked at where they fit within education and employment.
In essence, these youth took a series of steps to get themselves back into a positive social dynamic and on track for work, back to school or some other route.
Travis Dugas, the other instructor for ‘Power of Choice’, provided his own positive reinforcement techniques to the youth. He also dressed in traditional powwow regalia and led the youth in the graduation ceremony.
Marcia Potskin runs her own business, Soular Works Inc. She has a partner, Shauna Simpson, who runs Creative Choices and Resources. They will write a final report about ‘Power of Choice’ and follow up with the youth to determine if the skills they acquired have helped them.
Other parties involved with this program include Whitefish First Nation, which signed an agreement with Services Canada to fund it. Atikameg School provided space for the youth to work in. The Atikameg health centre also provided space and health director Rosalie Tallman arranged accommodations for the youth.
Copyright © 2000 The Lakeside Leader. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.
View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster
|
