By Derek Cornet

Youth conference underway with high profile athletes invited

Jan 3, 2019 | 4:00 PM

Organizers of a three-day youth conference hosted by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) are hoping a visit by two successful First Nation athletes will serve as an inspiration.

Former NHL player and Order of Canada inductee Fred Sasakamoose, along with water polo Olympian Waneek Horn-Miller, will both make appearances at the conference Jan. 4. Horn-Miller will be talking to attendees about bringing their warrior spirit to life, while Sasakamoose will be interviewed about his accomplishments by Abel Charles. Sasakamoose will also have his private memorabilia on display at the event before it’s sent to Ottawa’s Museum of Man later this year.

“It’s about bringing someone into their life to inspire them to be the best they can be,” said LLRIB prevention and recovery employee Lillian Sanderson. “We do have these exceptional athletes and people who have done well. Hopefully that’s an inspiration to our young people.”

An array of speakers already presented at the conference, which began today, including Prime Basketball Development founder Michael Linklater, Youth Action for Prevention Program co-ordinator Donna Banach, and fiddlers Tristen Durocher and Ralph Opikokew with many more to do so in the coming days. With students still on a break from classes, Sanderson said it was a good time to host an event with multiple invitees.

She also noted much of the information in each presentation includes a theme of healthy lifestyle choices or opportunities. Sanderson believes its important young people know about what’s available to them both inside and outside the community, as well as learn cultural and traditional teachings. The conference is open to any youth in the community 13 years and older.  

weather system

Mix of rain and snow for La Ronge this week

14h ago

La Ronge police shooting

Court reviews video showing Terrence Daigneault opening fire on La Ronge RCMP officers

14h ago

Canada golden

Canada edges U.S. 6-5 in overtime for Women's World Hockey Championship gold

Apr 15, 2024

“There’s certainly a lot of challenges for our young people today,” she said. “What we’re wanting to promote is the sky is the limit for youth. We have various workshops for the students to go and learn. Maybe it will spark an interest in their artistic or creative abilities.”

The youth conference is taking place at Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre and Senator Myles Venne School.

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno