Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2006 CNO
WARNER, OKLAHOMA – The third annual Native American Youth Leadership Conference will be held July 11-13 on the campus of Connors State College in Warner. The conference, held by the Oklahoma Employment & Training Advisory Council (OETAC), is sponsored by the Cherokee Nation and other Oklahoma tribes. For the second year in a row, students from New Mexico will join their Oklahoma counterparts at this conference.“Youths who participate in this conference not only enhance their leadership capabilities but come away with a better understanding of what leadership means. They are exposed to career choices, career direction, and positive direction from the conference staff who guide and lead them during the week and encourage them to continue in the education field of their choice,” said Larry D. Ketcher, director of employment and training for Cherokee Nation Career Services and current OETAC chairman.
The annual Native American Youth Leadership Conference was established to introduce young people to careers they might be interested in pursuing and also to develop in them the leadership and social skills necessary to be successful in the business world.
This year’s conference will begin at 9 a.m. on July 11 with registration and opening ceremonies and conclude at 1 p.m. on July 13 with an awards ceremony and tribal exchanges. The conference is expected to draw 350 students between the ages of 14 and 18 as well as 25 to 30 staff councilors. The Cherokee Nation is sending 20 students and five councilors.
Guest speakers will include Jeff Yalden of MTV’s popular reality show, “Made.” Yalden’s keynote motivational talk will ask students to “Take Time to Think.”
During the afternoons, workshops on such topics as “The Job Journey” and communication and money management skills will be offered. The first evening will conclude with co-ed team-building activities such as water polo, a pool tournament, 3-on-3 basketball and horseshoes. These games help attendees meet new people and build lasting friendships. The second day will end with a student talent show featuring karaoke singing and dancing.
The participants will also have the opportunity to participate in a popular safety driving course. During this exercise, students wear goggles that affect their vision and make them feel drunk. Paired with an instructor, they attempt to drive a golf cart around a track laid out with safety cones. This artificial “driving under the influence” exercise is both fun and enlightening for students, as it safely shows them the possible consequences of drunk driving.
OETAC tribal leaders invite students who show exceptional promise to attend these annual conferences, and students can attend for as many years as they show promise and meet the age requirement. The cost of the conference for a student, $65, includes all meals and snacks as well as numerous gift bags and prizes.
For additional information on this conference, call Larry Ketcher phone: 918-453-5462.
Related path(s):
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |