ADSB students gain confidence at leadership camp

Trustees with the Algoma District School Board learned about a unique leadership camp at Tuesday’s meeting. A group of seven First Nation, Metis and Inuit students in Grades 8 to 10 participated in an FNMI Leadership Camp in Parry Sound. The local group met other FNMI students from across the northeast with a goal of gaining confidence through various activities that will eventually lead to success later in life. White Pines Outdoor Education Teacher Sergio Pietramale was a chaperone during the trip in February. He says the activities were beneficial, but the event included something more important…

Drumming, dramatical arts, and a ‘sharing circle’ were among the activities the students did during their time at the camp. A parent of one of the students spoke to trustees about the change in her son. She said that he was quiet before he attended and he came back ‘talkative and engaged’ — a result teachers hope will be achieved for all participants. Pietramale says the camp helps those FNMI students who have the ambition to reach their full potential, but for some reason hold themselves back…

Trustees heard from two students last night from East View and White Pines schools. Both of them talked about their positive experience from the camp and how they learned more about their culture, gained new friends and in the case of one of the students — acquired the skills and knowledge to move into high school. Carol Trudeau-McEwen is the FNMI Special Assignment Lead at the Algoma District School Board. She says the main purpose of the camp is to translate the students’ newfound confidence in themselves into success later on…

Similar camps has been attended by many ADSB First Nation, Metis and Inuit students over the last five years. Camps closer to home are scheduled to take place on the Garden River First Nation for Grade 6 to 8 students on March 18th and 19th and for students in Grades 9 to 12 on March 20th and the 21st.