NEWS RELEASE
NORTHERN COLLEGE
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Northern College, in partnership with Hydro One and District School Board Ontario North East, is hosting the second annual Lightning Trail summer retreat for Aboriginal youth.
The event is being held at the college’s Timmins Campus this week.
Lightning Trail aims to develop participants’ leadership skills and self-confidence, while providing both traditional Aboriginal teachings and an introduction to various trades and technology fields.
Participants will attend hands-on workshops focused on trades and technology subjects including carpentry, electronics, heavy equipment, and mining and civil engineering.
A variety of cultural activities are planned for the week, including the sharing of wisdom on the seven grandfather teachings, sacred fire, medicine wheel and rites of passage.
The Nish Olympics, a series of team-building exercises which were created by youth leaders at last year’s camp, will also return.
Guest speaker Dr. Pamela Rose Toulouse addressed the campers at the camp’s opening ceremonies held Sunday afternoon.
She spoke about the diversity of the First Nations Peoples of Canada and about the importance of education.
A total of 28 First Nation, Metis and Inuit youth between the ages of 13 and 18 are attending the camp.
Five students who attended Lightning Trail 2013 are returning to leadership roles.
“The first Lightning Trail was a resounding success, and we’re determined to make this year’s retreat even better,” says Christine Heavens, Executive Director, Community, Business Development and Employment Services. “Last year we watched as students grew in self-confidence and discovered career paths they’re now determined to pursue. We’re excited that we have the opportunity to introduce another group of students to the fruitful opportunities in the trades and technology fields.”
Registration for Lightning Trail 2014 is now closed, but applications for Lightning Trail 2015 will be available early next year.
For more information about the event please visit www.northernc.on.ca/
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