Samson band forms youth council

Page 10

The Samson Band at Hobbema has formed a youth council to help turn out leaders.

"Our youth are our future leadership," says youth organizations manager Dennis Omeasoo, who sees development of the band's youth as a critical issue.

Oneasoo, together with 18 youthful candidates who responded to call for greater responsibility within the community, formed the Samson Band Youth Council, which will, under the direction of the chief and council "prepare the youth to fulfill the vision of sound leadership."

Seventy-five per cent of Samson's registered members are 25 or under.

Omeasoo points out that being a "have" reserve presents unique problems to today's youth.

"our resources are depleting. What's going to be left for the unborn? These are the problems our youth are going to have to deal with to protect their future and the future of their children."

Education director Patrick Cutknife identified membership, oil distribution, land and parliamentary procedure as areas of concern to the band's youth.

Both Cutknife and Omeasoo are dedicated to assisting the youth to further identify and develop their skills and talents in order to take their place in the community.

"The potential of our youth will become the strength of our future," affirms Omeasoo.

Meanwhile, Cutknife feels that leaders should focus more on the youth and less on politics.

"I see the youth as a valuable asset. It is to their advantage to first identify and then to develop their abilities and talents."

Cutknife believes too much time and effort has been spent trying to make every Indian student an academic, which he says has often resulted in failure and a loss of self-esteem to the Native student.

:We've been barking up the wrong tree. The Indian by nature is not an academic, he's an artist."

By placing emphasis on developing artistic abilities, the Samson Band's upgrading and arts program has experienced much success in boosting the self-esteem and academic achievements of the students participating.

According to Lorraine Arnold, director of the upgrading program, students can more often begin to deal with academic subjects after they've had an opportunity to express themselves successfully with art.

Adrian Rain, a participant in the art program. tasted that success winning a $2,000 prize awarded by Peace Hills Trust at the Multicultural Fair in Lacombe March 11. Rain claimed his prize for a painting he calls "A Tribute to the Blackfoot".

Art students will also be showing their work at an upcoming show in Red Deer March 15, 16 and 17 at Parkland Mall.