La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

Spring break was no vacation for a cross-section of Swinomish youth.

Pre-teen and high school-aged tribal students sacrificed sleeping in and lounging in front of the TV to take part in a four-day conference at the Swinomish Gym designed to build self-esteem and develop lifelong leadership skills. It was hosted by Swinomish Health Programs.

By all accounts it was time well spent for the large percentage attending all four days. They were introduced to the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) curriculum that focuses on identifying personal and community strengths, daily and long-term challenges, solutions to pressing issues and opportunities to share and show gratitude.

"It's a very adaptable curriculum," event facilitator Seprieono Locario, a technical assistant with Tribal Tech, LLC., told the Weekly News. "Every tribe has its own story, its own unique history that's reflective of the past."

Swinomish keynote speakers were enlisted by Julia Ortiz, the tribe's behavioral health coordinator and her staff, as conference storytellers.

The roster included Eugene "Huge" Edwards, Dean Dan, Jr., Joe Williams, Holle Edwards, Aurelia Bailey and Brian Porter. Janie Beasley, a former La Conner school board member, opened the Thursday morning session in Lushootseed, the traditional Coast Salish language of tribes of the Puget Sound region.

In another local connection, attendees sported stylish tee-shirts and hooded sweatshirts bearing a logo designed by La Conner High alum Kesha Edwards, program manager for Swinomish Circles of Care and who honed her talents at the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Each conference day dealt with a major theme. The first day addressed "Belonging" and encouraged students to list and illustrate strengths that define Swinomish, with community being their top choice.

Mastery, interdependence and generosity were other key daily topics.

"Everyone," noted Locario, pointing to posters and flow charts created by the students, "was encouraged to write something positive about others."

Positive reinforcement, with an emphasis on recognizing each person's self-worth, was emphasized daily. That was especially true when students stepped forward to speak to the entire group.

"Public speaking," Locario reminded them, "is one of the most feared things to do," Doing so takes courage and it's important to remember that when you share something, it's awesome."

The students didn't have far to look to see the effect of the GONA format, whose culture-based planning process and interactive approach reflects native traditions, cultural values and spiritual practices.

Tribal Tech co-facilitator Maegan Ray once stood in their shoes. She grew up on the Round Valley Reservation in California and as a youth attended a GONA conference. She was immediately drawn to the work undertaken by conference leaders.

"That's when I decided this is what I wanted to do," she said.

Ray, like Locario, relishes how her role makes it possible to have a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.

"GONA," she said, "makes everyone feel valued. It shows that everyone has a strength."

The conferences also reinforce the importance of making personal commitments that are not only self-beneficial but are of benefit to one's family and community.

"On the last day," Ray explained, "we have a commitment circle. The students can make a commitment to do well in school, learn a song, attend Culture Night."

"It takes work to learn commitment," Locario acknowledged to the students. "It takes work to contribute to the community."

He said Swinomish youth are fortunate in having adults around them who have built a sense of community and regularly model values of human growth, community leadership and responsibility found in native culture.

"You are lucky," Locario said, "because you have your songs, you have your language, you have Canoe Journey, you have a gym with your logo in the center of the court.

"The question for you," he asked, "is who is going to step up for Swinomish?"

Hearing Locario's charge each participant immediately pledged to put his or her best foot forward on behalf of the cause.