Red Lake to Host 14th Annual Youth Leadership Conference

Students learn the ancient Moccasin Game at the 2018 Youth Conference

Published May 9, 2019

Theme is “Indigenous Power” 

RED LAKE INDIAN RESERVATION —  The 14th Annual Red Lake Nation Youth Leadership Conference will be held Wednesday thru Friday, May 28 – 31, 2019, at Red Lake High School in Red Lake Minnesota. The conference theme this year is “Indigenous Power.”

The conference will feature national and local presenters and performers, youth activities and banquet. Wednesday, Day One, will not begin until evening at 6 pm at the Red Lake Nation College and feature a fashion show and entertainment.

Workshops and presentations will be held from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Thursday and Friday. As usual, several workshops will occur simultaneously. Topics will include; powwow Zumba, Indigenous hip-hop, natural skin care products, self-care, healing through culture, hand drum making, moccasin making, moccasin game teachings, keeping tobacco sacred, and story of hoop dancing.

In addition to the workshops, a banquet will be held Thursday evening at Red Lake Nation College at 6 p.m., followed by entertainment by Supaman and a performance by the Sampson Brothers (See attached agenda)

The impetus for the Youth Leadership Conference occurred after the formation of the Red Lake Nation Youth Council in 2006, after the Red Lake tragedy. The group began looking for ways to teach leadership skills, and to celebrate the accomplishments of the Nation’s youth academically and in other ways. Topics and organization is by Red Lake Youth.

Photos by Michael Meuers