Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/68073
JUNE 2012 • PAGE 13 A mission to Israel On April 28, 2012 Norway House Cree Na- tion embarked on a youth development and leadership mission to Israel. The trip was both educational and fun and included a balance of social and team build- ing activities that played an instrumental role in developing and fostering lifelong friendships and relationships amongst the youth and with the people of Israel. It also expanded their ho- rizons to learn about the similarities between our people, the struggles, successes and the journey to self-determination which included learnings of strength and pride in culture, tradi- tions and language and the determination to create opportunities, successes and better life for the people of Israel, all of which are experi- ences and lessons we can each reflect on and take back to Norway House. It was amazing to observe the impact that this mission had on our young leaders; their observations, thoughts and reactions to their learned experiences and visits to the ancient sites. As Youth Chief Tyler Duncan explained, "I have a renewed strength in my belief. I now have much knowledge of Israel, its people and its history. This was the trip and experi- ence of a lifetime. If the purpose of the mission was to develop leaders and positively change our young people, then this mission was by all means a huge success, not only for our young people but for our community as a whole. It was definitely a "game changer" for me and our young people". We were very fortunate and thankful to have had Shelly Faintach of the Jewish Fed- eration of Winnipeg, in conjunction with the Jerusalem Office of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, partner with us to coordinate an exciting and rewarding itinerary which included visiting holy sites in the Galilee in the Old City of Jerusalem, Independence Hall in Tel Aviv, and other historical, religious and national con- nections to Israel including the Western Wall, and archaeological digs. The itinerary also in- cluded the Kav Hazinuk Leadership program in Galil, talks by the Palestinian Human Rights JoinOur Team Chief Ron Evans Director and Israel's Tourism Ministry, rafting in the Jordan River, visit to the Ethiopian Absorp- tion Centre, a guided tour of Massada fortress (Cable Car) and Israel's National Holocaust Museum, a hike at the Ein Gedi natural re- serve and an afternoon visit at the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi Spa. Jesse Green from Strong Front TV was also a participant on the trip and has been working with us to produce a documentary on all as- pects of this journey. We are excited to share the documentary once it is complete. A blog was also created by our Youth and is hosted by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs which captures some of the highlights of the trip including photos. The blog can be viewed at http://sizedoesntmatter.com/blog/ pictures-norway-house-cree-nation-mission- to-israel-manitoba/. This journey has been one of the most re- warding and memorable experiences for me as a leader. My hope is that this journey and experience has truly been a "game changer" for our youth and that they will take what they have learned; share it with other youth and work together to develop youth leadership ini- tiatives and opportunities to benefit our com- munity. This journey was truly a trip of a life time and inspirational for our young people; a learning experience that dreams are made of. We will continue to support our youth in their work and begin the planning and fun- draising for next year's trip starting with the Norway House Cree Nation Golf Tournament on June 26, 2012 at Bel Acre's Golf and Coun- try Club. ~ Chief Ron Evans, Norway House Cree Nation Accelerate your career! We offer excellent, long term career opportunities with good pay, training programs and benefits. We're always looking for people like you! APPLY NOW. See Store Manager for details. Best Wishes on National Aboriginal Day National Aboriginal Day Festivities 2011 Daryl Reid MLA for Transcona Constituency Office: 553 Regent Ave. West Ph: (204) 222-0040 | darylreidmla@shaw.ca ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Store Managers Department Managers Supervisors Cashiers Grocery Clerks Retail Clerks Office Clerks Celebrating National Aboriginal Day