Strengthening the Circle Conference teaches leadership to students from across the Valley

November 28, 2017

Aboriginal students from across the Valley and the Fraser-Cascade came together for a three day conference starting November 21. The Strengthening the Circle Conference is organized by Siyá:ye Yotes (Friends Working Together). It’s vision is to “empower Aboriginal youth to become healthy, responsible leaders who value the knowledge and traditions of Aboriginal worldviews.”

Students from many districts attended sessions on leadership and culture, accompanied by drumming, dancing, and ceremony. Through these sessions and celebrations the conference aims to impart the students with “the knowledge, skills and cultural teachings required to become responsible leaders in their school and community.”

During their time together, students were able to make new friends and connections, as well as share time with Elders.

The conference was hosted by Jonny Williams, Peggy Janicke, and Joseph Heslip from the Mission School district. Michael Morgan and Ernie Cardinal from Langley also spoke at the event.