Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past July and August, a total of 22 youth from the Deh Cho participated in an on-the-land pilot program that could serve as a territorial model for early intervention of alcohol and drug use among the youth. This program was delivered in two sessions. The first two weeks were geared towards youth aged 12 to 15 and the next two weeks were for youth aged 16 to 19. The camp was held at Six Mile, approximately six miles up the river from Fort Simpson. The historic site was inhabited for hundreds of years.
The pilot program was designed to build youth culture and individual identity; increase physical activity and bush skills; provide life skills, including healthy lifestyles and emotion management and self-control; foster well-being, healthy relationships and a cultural sense of self; create enjoyable community-minded atmosphere in a wilderness environment; identify and work with future leaders or community cornerstones, youth who might be able to work at camp in the future; and engage the entire community through participation and volunteering in support of the camp.
Daily activities blended traditional on-the-land skills, and therapeutic sessions focused on achieving these goals. Eighteen youth received certificates of completion and were congratulated on their achievement at ceremonies held in Fort Simpson
and Wrigley at the end of each intake. Three youth participated in both intakes and spent a total of four weeks on the land, Mr. Speaker.
This project was made possible through the collaboration of Health and Social Services, the Dehcho Health and Social Services Authority, community stakeholders and Shakes the Dust Hope Consulting. I would especially like to recognize the local program support staff that helped deliver the program. The department is currently evaluating the lessons learned from camp this year and the results will form the development of future land-based healing programs for the youth in our territory.
That’s what I especially look forward to, Mr. Speaker, that this pilot project can branch out throughout the whole Northwest Territories and help our youth in their time of need and teach them these life skills that we certainly need in our territory. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
