6th Annual Aboriginal Youth, Violence, & Changing Times Training Conference
"Healthy Youth Today, Healthy Nations Tomorrow"
March 14-16, 2008
Harbour Towers, Victoria BC
BIOGRAPHIES
National
Advisory Committee: The committee, made up of representatives from each
province and territory, advises the Conference Coordinators on the overall
agenda, keynote and guest speakers, presenters, Elders and entertainers.
National
Advisory Committee Biographies
Mason Abou is 19, a member of the Tahltan First Nation. During his high school years Mason was a member of the student council and participated in numerous activities. Although he has graduated, Mason still volunteers at the school. Mason participated in the signing ceremony with BC Hydro for the community of Fort Ware BC where he met Premier Gordon Campbell at the meeting and performed Kaska traditional songs. Mason has many hobbies and is passionate about music. He writes and records his own music and produces his friend’s music. He shows respect for his elders and believes “we as youth are the voice of the future, but it is because of our elders we have this voice!”. Mason never forgets his roots and the traditional ways of his people and believes this is what makes him the person he is today.
Julia Valencia
was born and raised in Toronto ON to a father of South American descent and a mother of the Cree Nation. Raised by a mother who was part of the Residential School Era, Julia was aware of her First Nations descent but unaware of the culture, traditions and history that went along with it. At 17 years of age she was interviewed for a summer position with the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto and began her journey to realizing who she was as a First Nations woman. Julia graduated from George Brown College in the Child and Youth Worker Program in 2003. Today, Julia works as a Program Manager for a program that promotes cross cultural understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people through the use of Elders and Traditional Teachers. She has volunteered on various Boards since 1999 and feels passionate about serving and promoting positive and real issues facing Aboriginal people. Julia is a spokesperson on behalf of Aboriginal women affected and infected with HIV/AIDS and is a Council Member for a newly developed program by Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto and Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, advocating to create and maintain an alternative Child Welfare System that meets the needs of Aboriginal Families. As a mother, a woman and First Nations person she has never felt stronger and more passionate in her life and knows that it will only get better in time.
William Tiktaq
William Tiktaq is 21, was born and raised in Ranklin Inlet, NU. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Yellowknife in 2004 then attended the Nunavut Sivuniksavut Training Program in Ottawa ON. Today, he is working at the Qitiqliq Middle School as a Substitute Teacher and Student Support Assistant. In Rankin Inlet, William was president of the Friendship Center’s youth council 'Makkuktut Sangitilirput Youth Program' which means 'Youth Getting Stronger.' The program teaches youth from ages 16 to 29 to make traditional tools, go out on the land to hunt and learn their traditional Inuit culture. He has been a board member for the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Center, the only friendship center in Nunavut, since October 2005.
Christa Turnbull
Christa Turnbull is 26 years old and lives in Charlottetown NL, a small, rural community of about 300 people on south coast of Labrador. She has two beautiful boys, Joshua, age 9 and Austin, age 4. Christa was elected to the Labrador Metis Nation as youth director in 2005, representing youth from all over Labrador. Since being elected, Christa has been involved in many events, including a Youth/Elder Conference, Suicide Prevention Workshop, a business trip to New York for four youth and a Diabetes workshop. Christa was elected to her Community Council when she was 18 years old. She was the youngest member to ever serve on the town council and received the majority of the votes. She is involved in many other organizations including the local Recreation Committee, Economic Development Organization and the Annual Shrimp Festival Committee. She enjoys walking, traveling, ball hockey, reading, spending time with her family and outdoor winter activities, such as ski-dooing, boil-ups, and ice fishing.
Robert Wells
is a status member of the Blood (Kainaiwa) Tribe, part of the Blackfoot confederacy (Treaty 7) located south of Calgary near the Montana border. He is 26 years old and has called Calgary home for the last 14 years. He is employed with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary Aboriginal Services department where he coordinates and manages cultural, recreational and educationally-based programs for urban Aboriginal youth ages from 6 to20. He attends the University of Calgary as a part-time student pursuing a BA in Sociology. Robert has a strong passion for providing services and support to Aboriginal youth and giving back to his community. He is currently developing a pivotal Aboriginal Youth Leadership program called “Iiyika’kimaat” which translates to “try hard” in Blackfoot culture. His goal is to see this program become a critical tool for urban Aboriginal youth to gain confidence, self-esteem, a reconnection to their culture and life skills. Robert says: “A lot of what makes me the person that I am can be attributed to my mother who raised me on her own while she went to school full-time for nearly eight years. She has been my biggest role model my entire life and I continue to go to her for guidance and support. Without her, I would not be the man I am today!”. His other interests include hockey (Go Flames Go!) and traveling.
Kara Dawne Zemel
Kara (Kariwaiens means "she brings the message") is 28 is of the Mohawk Nation with Kahnawake Mohawk Territory being her home community. Kara holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Major Concentration in Canadian Studies and Minor Concentration in North American History from McGill University in Montreal. She has worked in her community in the areas of journalism, culture, history, health and now land management in her current position as the Commercial Lands/Leases Administrator for the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake. She has been involved as a volunteer getting the Kahnawake Library started as well as serving in the library when it opened. She has been involved in the Quebec Native Women’s Youth Council for the last three years and was recently elected the Youth Representative on their Board of Directors. In her spare time Kara volunteers at www.mohawk-radio.com as a radio personality and does beadwork. Jodie-Lynn Waddilove
Jodie-Lynn Waddilove
Jodie-Lynn is an Anishnabe (Ojibway) and Lenni Lenape (Delaware) lawyer from the Munsee-Delaware Nation in southern Ontario. She was called to the bar in Ontario (2004) and Alberta (2006). Jodie-Lynn received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double area of concentration in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario in 1999; her Masters of Arts degree in International Criminology and Law from the University of Sheffield in England; and, her Bachelors of Laws degree from the University of Ottawa in 2003. Throughout her academic career, Jodie-Lynn received many scholarships and awards recognizing her academic achievements, community service and her role as a young Aboriginal leader. Jodie-Lynn abstains from all drugs and alcohol and promotes a healthy and proud lifestyle. Jodie-Lynn is also a jingle dress dancer and is currently learning to speak her language. Recently, Jodie-Lynn served as Assistant Commission Counsel with the Ipperwash Inquiry in Toronto, inquiring into the events surrounding the death of Dudley George in 1995. Jodie-Lynn currently practices civil litigation and corporate commercial law in Toronto.
Presenters Biographies
NISO
BRADFORD
Niso is of the Odawa-Cree Nation, presently living in Brantford ON. He has been a national trainer for over 15 years, initially specializing in Native Youth Leadership Development and moving on to Adult Leadership Training. He spends much of his time working with high risk youth through retreats, community workshops and in the school setting, focusing on gang violence prevention, alcohol/drug prevention, youth sexuality issues, anti-bullying and cultural enrichment. Niso is an international champion grassdancer, singer and drummer.
TESSA KARANGWAI POTSKIN
Tessa belongs to the Tuhoe tribe of New Zealand on her mother’s side and the Fraser Clan of Scotland on her father’s side. She is devoted to fighting for youth. At the age of 16 she lost her older brother to drugs and suicide. Tessa says: “I am drug and alcohol free for I refuse to give this world the opportunity to snuff out my light.” She has been a youth worker for five years and has been blessed to live in different communities sharing laughter and tears with many warriors. She plays guitar, sings, dances and paints “to give glory to my Creator, to encourage my allies and to free the emotions I hold within”.
SHAWN KULIKTANA
Shawn is an 18 year old Inuit who lives in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, a community of 1300 people. He is in the final year of high school at Kugluktuk High School and will be one of the first graduates from the Pre-Trades program. Shawn was selected as a Role Model in the National Aboriginal Role Model Program in 2007. He was also chosen to be part of the Northern Delegation that attended the UN Youth Conference which was held in Spain in November 2007. Shawn is very outspoken against the use of alcohol and drugs and encourages youth to make healthier choices in their livesfe. Last year, he was one of several youth in their community who decided to make a difference by not only speaking out, but takingook action against the negative effects that alcohol and drugs wereas having on their friends, families and community. Shawn and Robyn Atatahak will share a News Report that recorded on their actions which was aired on CBC Newsworld.
ROBYN ATATAHAKA
Robyn is a 15-year-old Inuit who lives in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, a community of 1300 people. She is a student at Kugluktuk High School and is in her first year of the Pre-Trades program. Robyn is actively involved with sports and youth in the community. Robyn feels that youth who make better choices can have a positive affect on not only their own lives but on their families’ lives and their community as well. She feels that people should be willing to help each other whenever possible.
Although Robyn is young, she believes in helping her friends and family out whenever she can. One way, that she does this is by trying to be a good role model to her family and community. Last year, Robyn was one of several youth in their community who decided to make a difference by not only speaking out, but takingook action against the negative effects that alcohol and drugs wereas having on their friends, families and community. Robyn and Shawn Kuliktana will share a News Report that recorded on their actions which was aired on CBC Newsworld.
Shane Baker
Shane Baker is 30 years old and is from the Gitxsan Nation of Hazelton BC. In 2007, Shane was recognized for the hard work he has put into his healing journey and his contributions to youth when he received his Gitxsan name, Wiloox. Shane has been contributing to the overall direction of the Conference for the past three years as Assistant Coordinator. Last year, he was a member of the National Advisory Committee, a speaker and Trade and Career Fair Coordinator. After graduating from high school, Shane moved from Victoria back to Hazelton to work with the Tribal Council to assist in mapping old growth areas and traditional territories of the Gitxsan people. Shane decided to pursue a career in Computer Graphic Design and returned to Victoria. Just prior to completing his program, he had a severe head injury and became blind as a result. Today, he volunteers in the P.A.R.T.Y. Program as a head injury survivor, sharing his story and telling youth how their decisions could have an impact on the rest of their lives. Shane’s passion is to share his experience with other youth and help them make better choices that have a positive impact on their lives.
Last Updated: January 25, 2008
FNTCS Contact Information
First Nations Training & Consulting Services
Mail Address: PO BOX 5000, SAANICHTON BC, V8M 2C5
Courier Address: 1164 Stelly's Cross Road, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1H8
Phone: (250) 652-7097
Fax: (250) 652-7039
Email:office@fntcs.com
Niso is of the Odawa-Cree Nation, presently living in Brantford ON. He has been a national trainer for over 15 years, initially specializing in Native Youth Leadership Development and moving on to Adult Leadership Training. He spends much of his time working with high risk youth through retreats, community workshops and in the school setting, focusing on gang violence prevention, alcohol/drug prevention, youth sexuality issues, anti-bullying and cultural enrichment. Niso is an international champion grassdancer, singer and drummer.
TESSA KARANGWAI POTSKIN
Tessa belongs to the Tuhoe tribe of New Zealand on her mother’s side and the Fraser Clan of Scotland on her father’s side. She is devoted to fighting for youth. At the age of 16 she lost her older brother to drugs and suicide. Tessa says: “I am drug and alcohol free for I refuse to give this world the opportunity to snuff out my light.” She has been a youth worker for five years and has been blessed to live in different communities sharing laughter and tears with many warriors. She plays guitar, sings, dances and paints “to give glory to my Creator, to encourage my allies and to free the emotions I hold within”.
SHAWN KULIKTANA
Shawn is an 18 year old Inuit who lives in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, a community of 1300 people. He is in the final year of high school at Kugluktuk High School and will be one of the first graduates from the Pre-Trades program. Shawn was selected as a Role Model in the National Aboriginal Role Model Program in 2007. He was also chosen to be part of the Northern Delegation that attended the UN Youth Conference which was held in Spain in November 2007. Shawn is very outspoken against the use of alcohol and drugs and encourages youth to make healthier choices in their livesfe. Last year, he was one of several youth in their community who decided to make a difference by not only speaking out, but takingook action against the negative effects that alcohol and drugs wereas having on their friends, families and community. Shawn and Robyn Atatahak will share a News Report that recorded on their actions which was aired on CBC Newsworld.
ROBYN ATATAHAKA
Robyn is a 15-year-old Inuit who lives in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, a community of 1300 people. She is a student at Kugluktuk High School and is in her first year of the Pre-Trades program. Robyn is actively involved with sports and youth in the community. Robyn feels that youth who make better choices can have a positive affect on not only their own lives but on their families’ lives and their community as well. She feels that people should be willing to help each other whenever possible.
Although Robyn is young, she believes in helping her friends and family out whenever she can. One way, that she does this is by trying to be a good role model to her family and community. Last year, Robyn was one of several youth in their community who decided to make a difference by not only speaking out, but takingook action against the negative effects that alcohol and drugs wereas having on their friends, families and community. Robyn and Shawn Kuliktana will share a News Report that recorded on their actions which was aired on CBC Newsworld.
Shane Baker
Shane Baker is 30 years old and is from the Gitxsan Nation of Hazelton BC. In 2007, Shane was recognized for the hard work he has put into his healing journey and his contributions to youth when he received his Gitxsan name, Wiloox. Shane has been contributing to the overall direction of the Conference for the past three years as Assistant Coordinator. Last year, he was a member of the National Advisory Committee, a speaker and Trade and Career Fair Coordinator. After graduating from high school, Shane moved from Victoria back to Hazelton to work with the Tribal Council to assist in mapping old growth areas and traditional territories of the Gitxsan people. Shane decided to pursue a career in Computer Graphic Design and returned to Victoria. Just prior to completing his program, he had a severe head injury and became blind as a result. Today, he volunteers in the P.A.R.T.Y. Program as a head injury survivor, sharing his story and telling youth how their decisions could have an impact on the rest of their lives. Shane’s passion is to share his experience with other youth and help them make better choices that have a positive impact on their lives.
Last Updated: January 25, 2008
FNTCS Contact Information
First Nations Training & Consulting Services
Mail Address: PO BOX 5000, SAANICHTON BC, V8M 2C5
Courier Address: 1164 Stelly's Cross Road, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1H8
Phone: (250) 652-7097
Fax: (250) 652-7039
Email:office@fntcs.com
