All youth welcome to attend and learn about safe partying

The Ktunaxa Nation Council is inviting youth to attend a conference this weekend that will focus on safe partying and decision making.

The First Annual Soaring Eagles Youth Conference kicks off on Friday morning at the College of the Rockies and youth are welcome to register on the morning of the event. The theme of is youth inspiring youth.

Dianne Whitehead, pre-employment officer for the Ktunaxa Nation Council, said the conference is for anyone, not just Ktunaxa youth.

“It’s for all youth - any colour,” she said.

The conference is addressing a request from Ktunaxa youth to have a conference dedicated to them.

“Within the Ktunaxa Nation there’s a lot of youth that really, really wanted something for them,” Whitehead said.

The event is being brought to Cranbrook thanks to EmbraceBC, Ankors, ICBC, the Cranbrook RCMP detachment’s Aboriginal Policing Services and many more. Many of those groups will be doing break-out sessions for the youth to compliment the keynote speakers.

Linsay Willier, who was the first runner up on Canada’s Next Top Model for Cycle 3, will be one of the main speakers. Whitehead said the Cree First Nation model will talk about overcoming a rough upbringing and getting into modeling.

First Nations musician K.A.S.P. will also be speaking on how he beat drugs and alcohol to become a successful hip hop artist and youth advocate.

During the conference there will be a three-on-three basketball tournament. ICBC will be bringing along its crash simulator for students to try out. It will be on display on Saturday, June 9. The COTR climbing wall will be open and career booths will be set up to explore. There will be accommodation provided for out-of-town guests at the COTR residence.

Whitehead said the conference will have an important message to offer, but it’s also about socializing.

“It’s for the youth to get together.”

For more information and to register, contact Whitehead at dawhitehead@ktunaxa.org or call (250) 489-2464.