Thunder receives award

Johnny Thunder has received the Warrior Award and an eagle feather in recognition of his work for youth. He says it is an honour to receive the feather.

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

Johnny Thunder’s devotion to youth advocacy work and programming has won him an award. Thunder, who is the youth program coordinator for the High Prairie Friendship Centre, received the Warrior Award and an eagle feather during the 13th annual Golden Eagle Awards night at the Pomeroy Inn Nov. 22. The award is given to one male and one female who excel in education, sports and/or traditions. “I was recognized for all my work in High Prairie – the police cadets, local youth council development and I’m a member of the Alberta Aboriginal Youth Council,” says Thunder. He started working at the centre in March 2008. However, he will be moving to Athabasca in mid December to be the youth career advisor for Youth Connections. He will also serve on the friendship centre’s board as the youth representative. Before coming to High Prairie, Thunder worked at the Edmonton friendship centre and helped youth and the homeless. Academically, he completed a one-year community support worker program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. His ultimate goal is to open a youth centre/shelter in a city. It would be a boarding home for youth who come from rural areas and he would help them make the transition from rural to urban life. “I’ve seen how much trouble they have in their small communities,” says Thunder. “I’ve always wanted to help them reach their full potential.” Establishing the High Prairie police cadet program is one of his major achievements, Thunder says. He does not want to leave it, but will drop in to see the cadets during visits.

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