First-time canoers
(left) maneuver on
the lake. During a
breakout session
(right), youth
practice teamwork
by putting a puzzle
together.
Seth Benedict,
George Nagel
and Jon Benedict
c (below left) take
a break from the
-c « activities. Leah
s Sui tier takes notes
(below right) as
2 Keaston Johns and Carolina Simmons
| express their interest in an NCAI
youth program.
Angie Butler (below) discusses her
higher education experiences.
Youth Come Together at Annual Conference, Where Respect is Key
West Coast Boyz set the tone for gathering that encourages youth to connect and
By Natasha Kavanaugh
The annual Siletz Tribal Youth Con
ference was held Nov. 7-8 at the B’Nai
B'Rith Summer Camp near Devils Lake
in Lincoln City.
Youth and many supportive adult
mentors gathered for an opportunity to
forge new relationships and maintain
established ones in a healthy and respect
ful manner.
“I went to the conference because I
wanted to learn more about my culture,
about respect,” said Ron Butler Jr.
Many sessions were offered, such as
Tribal culture/history, personal develop
ment, phy.sical/mental/emotional self
care, managing finances, storytelling and
other cultural practices.
Jenifer Metcalf found a new memory at
this conference to always carry with her.
“I heard a drum and the song was so
powerful 1 thought Reggie and Lee had
come to do an honor song. When 1 went
to the drum they weren't there. Instead
it was our youth around this drum,” she
said. 'As ’Brother" led these young men
in a song, it touched my soul. What an
amazing gift and legacy Lee and Reg have
going on. 1 watched these young men sing
and as each one did a solo, my eyes filled
with tears and Lil Ron sang with the most
beautiful voice.”
ooyz drummed and sang throughout the conference in a great
demonstration of youth leadership.
* nv.
So much was offered at the confer
ence that it proved difficult for the youth
to narrow it down to the most important to
them. Some enjoyed reconnecting with old
friends and others got a surprise of meeting
family members for the first time.
"I went last year and it was fun. 1 liked
drumming and playing basketball,” said
Bo Johnson.
Drumming and the canoe races were
fun,” said Ron.
An open mind can be a valuable asset to
youth, more specifically to Paul Simmons.
Umm ... the most important thing
I learned was that trying new things or
looking at something from someone
reconnect
else s point of view can be a good thing ”
he said.
Jenifer took this opportunity to
continue her lifelong efforts to work
with youth.
“It was an honor to be a part of it,”
she shared. “All the kids were inviting and
respectful. It fit the nature of the confer
ence since it was about respect.”
Several youth and mentors expressed
their appreciation and gratitude to all
those who put this conference together
and to the West Coast Boyz for setting
the tone and all the songs.
“Everyone who participated ... you
guys rock!" said Jenifer.
vcmsi
uicicuvc paitiL/panis idKe part in a round dance as part of the activities. The West
Coast Boyz are in the middle of the circle, singing and playing hand drums.
December 2009
•
Siletz News
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13