The Anti Drug and Gang Youth Forum will take place all day Wednesday at Big Island Lake Cree Nation. (submitted photo/Anita Pooyak)

By Angela Brown

Support for youth

Anti Drug and Gang Youth Forum promises day of fun, education

Mar 10, 2020 | 5:24 PM

Big Island Lake Cree Nation wants to help youth struggling with some difficult challenges.

That’s why it’s holding the Anti Drug and Gang Youth Forum Wednesday.

Big Island Lake Cree Nation Executive Director Elaine Cross said the band hopes to encourage positive activities for young people with the forum.

“We’re expecting about 300 youth from a number of different reserves,” she said.

Cross said the community is dealing with a crisis right now, from gang activity, drug use, and the associated problems.

Health alerts

Sask NDP sound alarm over TB cases in northern Saskatchewan

8h ago

PYSANKY EASTER EGGS

"It's special to pass this on": Saskatchewan family celebrates Ukrainian Easter heritage

8h ago

BUSTED

Man charged after fleeing from RCMP on dirtbike in Onion Lake

9h ago

She hopes the event helps those needing support, and also acts as a preventive measure to discourage others from engaging in risky behaviour.

Cross said the forum will also assist those facing problems to find out what resources are available where they can get help.

“It’s just something that we think that our community needs,” she said of the event. “This is the way we are going to approach it. We’re not getting, say, funded for this particular project. We’re just going to make it happen.”

The event will include a fashion show, traditional dancers and a performance by Indigenous hip hop artist, songwriter and activist Joey Stylez. There will also be a number of guest speakers, including a visit from Jr. A. Hockey champ Lare Pahtayken, and various vendor tables.

The youth forum will take place at the first nation’s school gymnasium starting at 11 a.m. Lunch and dinner will be provided.

—

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @meadowlakenow