Those interested in attending the upcoming Youth Health and Wellness Conference at La Place Rendez-Vous here on March 27-28 still can register as space is still available.
Presented by Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre and the Métis Nation of Ontario Health Branch Services, the two-day workshop will highlight such topics as youth smoking, substance abuse, relationships, sexual health, fitness, and nutrition.
Organizer Shauna-Leigh Carlson noted registrations for the event started coming in right away and that there is a good-sized group set to attend, but she is willing to accept more participants.
“We’re having some amazing speakers coming in,” she enthused. “The more youth who can take advantage of the information presented, the better.”
As previously reported, one of the most anticipated presenters is Josey Vogels, one of Canada’s premier sex and relationship columnists, who often is referred to as “Canada’s Carrie Bradshaw” (the character made popular in the television show “Sex and the City”).
She also is an author, talk show host, and media commentator, and is particularly known for her book “Bedside Manners,” as well as her column “My Messy Bedroom” and the TV program of the same name.
“She’s going to talk about dating, relationships . . . she wanted to know about the issues in our surrounding communities,” said Carlson, who also is a health educator with Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre.
“She’s very interactive with the audience,” Carlson added. “Instead of just getting up there and talking, she gets them involved and gets them thinking.”
Another speaker lined up for the conference will be Judy New, a Comanche who holds a triple master’s degree in nutrition, education, and biology.
When New arrived in Canada, no aboriginal nutrition programs existed in Toronto, so she initiated the first heart health education held at Anishnawbe Health Toronto.
She currently works as the aboriginal diabetes trainer at the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, serving 28 centres throughout the province.
She also is the nutritional consultant and commentator on David Wolfman’s television series on APTN, “Cooking with the Wolfman.”
Other speakers at the conference will be the duo of Don Young, program manager with Superior Points Harm Production program in Thunder Bay, and Brian Brattengeier, with the Thunder Bay OPP’s Tri-Force Unit.
They offered a presentation to Grade 7/8 students in Mine Centre, Atikokan, and at J. W. Walker School here last April, where they spoke about drug abuse.
In fact, Young used to be a drug user and drug dealer who now provides insight into what that was like.
The Youth Health and Wellness Conference will run from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. both days, with lunch and snacks being provided. It is targeted toward youths aged 12-29.
“There’s going to be a lot of information presented, but I hope it will be fun and not boring for the participants,” Carlson remarked, adding many prizes also will be up for grabs, including a laptop computer, Apple iPods, and a digital camera.
“Everyone will go home with something,” she said.
Registration forms are available at area schools and many service providers. Those interested also can register by contacting Carlson at 274-3131 or via e-mail at slcarlson@vianet.ca
The deadline to sign up is this Friday (March 14), but Carlson indicated if space is still available beyond that date, she will continue to accept registrations.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
