Day 2 of the Lighting the Fire Education Conference dawned bright and early, kicked off with drumming by Loud Sounding Thunder, and welcoming remarks from storyteller William Dumas. Both set the stage for the key event of the morning, a presentation by artist/musician Robb Nash.
Robb is a successful songwriter and musician, who left a stadium-touring career to share his story with young people across the country. When he was a high school senior, Robb was the victim of a serious car accident. He was found with a fractured skull and pronounced dead. “Before the ambulance arrived at the hospital, Robb’s pulse had miraculously returned. After a difficult recovery, and despite significant physical and emotional scars, Robb was left with a new outlook on life.” (from www.robbnash.com) Today Robb tours the country speaking in schools, prisons, youth centres and First Nations.
Both wildly humorous and heart-touchingly sensitive, during his presentation at Lighting the Fire it became obvious why he relates so directly to today’s youth, “I tell them that pain doesn’t go away, but neither does strength…Things don’t happen for a reason, they happen with potential, and I don’t want them to have to go through something like what I did, before they realize how important each decision is.” He took the audience through his own story, and the stories of others who have been impacted by his message, via song, video and spoken word.
In conclusion he offered to visit schools on reserves in Manitoba, at no cost to the schools, since a big part of his message is simply getting it to the young people without dollars being a barrier. His story truly is one of strength and hope at a time when young people need it most.
Then it was more networking and shopping at the tradeshow during the lunch hour before afternoon workshops got underway.
With over 500 delegates in attendance it was inspiring to see so many workshops filled to capacity. Among these were Choose Your Voice with David and Susan Katzman; Art Activities for Indigeonous Perspectives through Art with Leah Fontaine and Tina Keeper; PhotoVoice with Wayne Grafton from MFNERC and students from Sagkeeng Junior High; and Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement – Personal Credits presented by Curtis Mallett.
With the workshops for the day concluded, it was time for everyone to let their hair down and enjoy some music and entertainment at the Lighting the Fire Banquet. A late night conclusion to a wonderful day at the Lighting the Fire Education Conference.
