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Leading by example: Band brings message of hope, inspiration to over 400 youth
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These gentlemen inspired the youth with messages of hope. In front, from left, are Shane Martell, Lee Beaver, James Jones and Troy Payne. In back, from left, are Conway Kootenay and Matt Wood. All but Payne are members of the Red Power Squad rap and hip-hop group.
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Mac Olsen
South Peace News
Screaming and cheering filled the gym as Red Power Squad performed their Rap music and break dancing routines.
Red Power Squad and Troy Payne headlined the 2009 Regional Youth Conference at E.W. Pratt May 26, providing messages of hope and inspiration to 410 youth.
Red Power Squad performed several of their own songs: ‘Confidence’, ‘Old School’ and ‘Tribute’. The group has been together 11 years and overcame hard lives on reserves across Alberta to get where they are today.
“For us it was a way out of a negative lifestyle,” says Conway Kootenay. “We spread a positive message about being who you are, regardless of race and ethnicity. Everybody is their own person.”
But it is not easy, as hard work and focusing on the positive things in life is required to get ahead, Kootenay adds. He performed a spoken word piece, ‘It’s All Up to You’, at the end of the conference.
Troy Payne’s tale of overcoming adversity – divorce, abuse and foster care – also impressed the youth.
“This boy’s on a pretty bad path,” Payne told them. “It’s me, but each one of us has to deal with adversity in life, one way or another.”
He posed two questions to them. Why can some youth endure adversity but stay on the path to be genuinely good people and become contributing members of society? Conversely, why do others who endure adversity, possibly even less, continue into a downward spiral of addictions and abuse, never breaking free of those chains?
“Kids realize they can make good choices and have good supports,” he says.
It comes down to one word, resiliency, as people have the ability to bounce back from adversity. There are four tools which can help people deal with it:
1. Breaking the cycle. Make a conscious choice to not be like those who have wronged or hurt others.
2. Identify and connect with supports. No matter how proud and strong they are, people need to reach out to others in time of need.
3. See the good in others and in the world, not matter how difficult it becomes.
4. Forgiveness plays a big part in life. Payne says he forgives the person who abused him and says it is important to tear down the barriers, to let go of the anger and pain, leading to forgiveness.
“We’re all going to deal with adversity in our own ways. The four tools I’ve given you can transform your life forever,” he says.
The youth came from E.W. Pratt, the Youth Assessment Centre, Prairie View Outreach, Atikameg, East Prairie Métis Settlement, Gift Lake, Grouard, Kinuso, Loon River, Peavine Métis Settlement and Valleyview.
The conference gave them empowerment, says Gwena Cunningham, one of the local organizers. She thanks all who supported the event.
The conference was also held in Donnelly, Fairview, Peace River and Wabasca in the same week.
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