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Motivational speaker spreading message of hope

Apr 24, 2018 | 5:00 PM

A motivational speaker sharing a message of hope is in the tri-community talking with and listening to local students.

Allan Kehler was at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Senator Myles Venne School today, where he delivered a presentation to students about empowerment and how to provide support to those in need. Kehler spoke about how to approach others who are in pain or discomfort and told the students how to use their voices in times of need.

“One of the biggest things I learned is the more we put our voice to our shame, the less power it has,” Kehler said. “Any time I’m able to share a message, it’s about redemption … it’s about hope more than anything.”

Kehler spoke about the abuses he endured during childhood and the addictions he struggled with for years. He said the trauma resulted in what he called “living a life of shame,” which ultimately brought him close to death. Kehler said he never used to talk about his pain and he ended up suffering because of it.

When Kehler finished his presentation, he told the students he would be back tomorrow if anyone wanted to talk about anything bothering them. He said students often want to talk to him afterward in private.

“Initially there’s this reluctance, but we have to let ourselves be vulnerable and take a risk,” Kehler said. “I can, hopefully, refer them to other resources. The biggest step is they try to get that pain out.”

Kehler also gave a presentation today at La Ronge’s Churchill Community High School, and said he’ll also do a second one tomorrow. He was brought to the area by Community Futures Vision North, and Executive Administrator Jean Powell said the day was all about sharing a positive message.

“The message was to look after yourself, to make sure you’re safe, be supportive of others and, if you can help someone through a situation, to lend an ear,” she said.

 

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter:@saskjourno