“Celebrating Life and Importance of Self-Identity”

Aboriginal Traditional TeachingsPresents:

PurposeTo assist the youth with taking the time to celebrate life & importance of self-identity

SUICIDE PREVENTION

Water Song & Friendship DanceCelebrating life and who they are as Aboriginal youth, fostering a strong sense of Aboriginal identity through

culture. Understanding the role emotions and a person’s energy plays in their everyday lives.

Facilitators: Deborah Tacan & Jace Pratt

Traditional MedicinesStudy of the four traditional medicines sacred to the

Aboriginal culture giving the youth a sense on meaning and purpose. Youth were given the opportunity to make

medicine bundles out of cow hide to keep it close to them in times of healing.

Facilitators: Eugene Ross & Chris Ross

SAGE TOBACCO

CEDAR SWEETGRASS

Understanding The Purpose of Life12 Teachings for Aboriginal Youth

Understanding self-awareness with emotions. Four concepts were the focus: Prayer, Purpose, Preservation, and Passion. Looked at the importance of Mother Earth and the Creator.

Youth we’re given a chance to create a vision for themselves.

Facilitator: Deborah Tacan

Sharing Circle & FeastBuild strong sense of self-identity. Learn to share personal

stories, goals for life and wishes. Celebrate life and living with a feast. Youth feasted on bannock, hamburger soup,

apple and blueberry pie. Inspirational rocks were given to youth.

Facilitator: Nellie Kopitz

Youth Stats Feb./Mar. 2015

Date of Activity

Number of Participants

N/S 0-14

15-24

25-54

55 Plus

February 27 14 1 5 4 3 1

March 19 22 0 12 4 6 0

March 20 12 0 3 5 3 1

March 27 15 0 10 2 3 0

Reflections from YouthExpressed need for cultural activities

To share their stories and hopes for future

To connect with Elder’s/mentors in the community

Listening & Sharing

Special thank-you to the following:Deborah Tacan, AFMJace Pratt, Sioux ValleyEugene Ross, Sioux ValleyChris Ross, Sioux ValleyDenise Ferland, Little Teaching LodgeRoland Ironman, Sioux ValleyTim Bone, BAYAC Youth CoordinatorFlorence, BAYAC Youth Coordinator