While some local youth might be spending their March Break doing anything from skiing to reading a good book (or three), or maybe just sitting on the couch playing video games, others will be learning about self-empowerment through theatre.
And they’ll be doing that at a week-long conference organized by the United Native Friendship Centre which starts today.
Mike Anderson, employment projects counsellor at the UNFC, said he’s expecting about 20 youth from both this area and Kenora to attend the conference.
Its purpose is to help them identify personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as set goals and overcome personal barriers through a series of workshops led by the native theatre group from Toronto known as “Tonto’s Nephews.”^Anderson noted the conference is somewhat of an experiment—a different way of getting youth thinking about their futures than job fairs and other such events commonly seen here.
While about 20 are expected for the conference, any local youth are welcome to attend any of the workshops this week, said Ryan McMahon, program co-ordinator with the UNFC’s Urban Multicultural Aboriginal Youth Centre who also is the conference facilitator and a member of “Tonto’s Nephews.”^Those interested simply can drop by the UMAYC located at 616 Mowat Ave. (the old Human Resources and Development Canada building).
There also will be evening events for the public this week.
On Wednesday, there will be a traditional drum social hosted by the Whitefish Bay Singers at the UMAYC from 6-10 p.m. All drummers and dancers are welcome (a small honorarium will be paid to dancers in regalia).
The evening also will include spot dances, a 50/50 draw, door prizes, and more.
Then on Thursday, youth not registered for the conference are encouraged to come out for “An Evening With Tonto’s Nephews Theatre Group” from 6-9 p.m. at the UMAYC.
“At this, youth can get a taste of what ‘Tonto’s Nephews’ are all about, what they’ve been doing all week during the conference,” noted Anderson, adding the evening will focus on empowerment, goal-setting, and leadership.
McMahon said members of the troupe will talk about their experiences getting to where they are today, including how they dealt with racism along the way.
And Friday at the Townshend Theatre, the public is welcome to watch “Tonto’s Neph-ews” stage improv comedy from 6-9 p.m.
All of these activities are free, but donations are appreciated and will be used to assist with special projects for the UMAYC. McMahon stressed everyone is welcome to attend any of these activities.
For more info, contact McMahon or Anderson at 274-0561 or 274- 8541.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
