The Ktunaxa Nation, in partnership with Embrace BC, is set to hold the first Soaring Eagles Conference at the College of the Rockies Cranbrook Campus on June 8 and 9.

The focus of the conference will be youth empowering youth, and includes workshops from Kasp (hip hop artist pictured above with videos on Muchmusic and Rap City), Linsay Willier (Runner up for Canada’s Top Model – pictured left), and professional DJ’s 3rDef and Sound Switch.

Highlighting the two days is a youth dance Friday night, hosted by the DJ’s 3rDef and Sound Switch and headlined by rapper Kasp, who has been decorated numerous times at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards. Kasp shares his music with youth to motivate them to persevere no matter what happens in life. His songs tell a story of his struggle and success, and he shares the timeline of his life with others to help others have the strength to do the same.

Linsay Willier will be speaking about what it takes to accomplish your goals and dreams, while living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Originally from the Sucker Creek First Nation, Linsay moved to Edmonton at age 18 to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care at Grant MacEwan College. In 2008, she submitted an application to be on Canada’s Next Top Model and was chosen from 14,000 other hopefuls as one of the 11 finalists all competing for a high-profile modeling contract. Linsay is now nationally recognized as the only First Nation model to appear on a Canada’s Next Top Model and was also awarded runner up prize.

The local Party Safe Program will also be providing a frank discussion on how youth can stay safe at parties they attend, which is particularly important as end of school celebrations are taking place. The program increases youth’s awareness on how to deal with drug use, including identifying drugs, and talking about what is in them, and the effects they have on you.

The DJs will also be offering lessons on how to mix your own beats throughout the conference, along with many other activities such as Peaks Indoor Climbing Wall as well as a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, with a number of great prizes such as iPods, basketball nets, XBox and a BMX bike.

The conference is open to all youth ages 12-30. Registration starts at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 8 in the College Gym, with the dance running from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. that evening, with day two of the conference starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Meals are included in the conference and there is no cost to the conference

You can register at the college the day of the conference or for more information you can contact Diane Whitehead at 250-489-2464 ext 3063 or email [email protected] .

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