SOS Conference in Wapekeka
Wapekeka First Nation SOS Conference
August 25 - September 1, 2003
The Wapekeka First Nation SOS Conference will take place once again in the communioty of Wapekeka during the week of August 25th, 2003. SOS stands for Survivors of Suicide. The theme of the conference is Healing Our Spirit wich is a wholistic approach to dealing with personal issues such as; sexual abuse, family violence, grief and loss, suicidal ideations, spiritual growth, etc. During the week, mental health professionals will be available and a team from the community to provide security and other services. Healing and sharing circles will be held each day plus nightly jamboress.
Other activities will be held such as recreation and sports. The community has a Roller Rink and particpants are encouraged to bring their equipment if they so wish. Registration forms will be available to be downloaded from our website (http://wapekeka.firstnation.ca) as soon as we firm up the agenda. Ten (10) communities have been invited but it is not exclusive to those communities. Individuals can register to attend on their own or be sposored by their First Nations or organizations.
We will provide meals and accommodations plus in-community transportation. In some cases, we will provided travel costs depending on the nature of the need. Ask your Chief and Counil if your community was invited to come to this conference or inquire how your community can be invited.
Past repsonse has been favourable and young people enjoy the conference as they interact with other from the community and other communities.
This will the the 10th Annual Conference which will be marked with dignitaries being in attendance. During the opening ceremonies on August 26th, the National Chief Phil Fontaine, Regional Chief Charles Fox and NAN Grand Chief will be in attendance. This will be broadcast live on Wawatay and video streamed on the internet. The community will be broadcasting nightly jamborees on Wawatay.
Also, in attendance for 26th to 18th will be Dakota House form North of 60 TV Series. Dakota (TEEVEE) is well known as Native actor, story teller, youth activist, children's book author, and lecturer. Moccasin Joe will also be here to entertain the conference.
For more information, you can call me at (807) 537-2315 or check for updates on our website at http://wapekeka.firstnation.ca and check who is confirmed to come from other communities and special guests. We will post up our agenda and the meal menu has alrady been posted.