ATTAWAPISKAT

NOTE: Even though we have completed our project, we are still in a credit balance from the expense of travel and lodging by about $3200 dollars. If anyone wishes to contribute to help clear this balance it would be greatly appreciated. All funds have and can be accounted for.
Thank you.

April 12th, 2016:   What is happening to our Canadian youth when you listen to the news lately? How can such a rich and vibrant country have so much despair, depression and just no feeling of hope in the minds and hearts of our northern youth?

I am told it is just a small percentage that are in this suicide crisis and not the entire youth of the community in general. But it does affect everyone when a family member or friend tries to take their life. Those individual youths urgently need the help of medical professionals and counsellors to help them sort out the current and future situation in their life. But the youth in general need more than that. They need their spirits lifted, they need a bit of fun and they need to feel what it’s like to laugh once again, feel that they can have goals, know they can speak out and someone will listen. 

That is where we come in. We are a group of Canadian, talented individuals…ok well I’m just the coordinator that’s about all the talent I have but I have a caring heart. We are organizing a visit to Attawapiskat to hold workshops, mentor, inspire while we entertain and listen to the dreams of those who feel so alone and to those who want to help them. 
All photos are interactive...click on them!
First on the list is Dakota House , a Cree Actor - born in Manning, Alberta and Dakota grew up in an inner-city neighborhood in Edmonton.  Best known for his role as Tee Vee Tenia on the CBC Series "North of 60", Dakota has starred in numerous feature films and made numerous guest star appearances in shows such as Heartland and the X- Files.​ A father of 4 with over a decade of sobriety and his background in Martial Arts, Dakota prides himself on being a strong role model for youth. For over two decades he has devoted much of his time to educating youth on motivation, self- esteem and making positive choices. He has traveled across Canada extensively, bringing hope and inspiration to youth through keynote presentations, youth conferences and other special events.
Joining Dakota is Scott Ward , born in Selkirk, Manitoba and is of Ojibway/Métis background.  In addition to bringing laughter and entertainment to communities, organizations and schools, Scott is well known for his work with Dakota House and is heavily immersed in working with youth and was a past recipient of an Alberta Aboriginal Youth Role Model Award , an Alberta Business Award of Distinction (Youth Entrepreneur), as well as being a 2015 recipient of the Native American 40 under 40 award. Scott Ward now travels extensively across North America as a full-time Comedy Hypnotist and Motivational Speaker.  
Both Dakota and Scott are involved with Going M.I.L.E.S which is a leadership initiative, created for the sole purpose of fostering a positive environment for Indigenous youth to grow and interact with today's top Indigenous talent, through the medium of the arts. With Indigenous peoples being one of the fastest demographics growing today, a change is needed to lead a more healthy lifestyle with the chance of positive expression, which is at an all-time low.
With professional positive role models, Going Miles is a program developed to ensure our youth get to experience the potential they have in themselves to create and believe in seeing their thoughts and ideas come to life. 
In Addition we have Shy-Anne Hovorka from the Thunder Bay area. Shy-Anne is an award-winning songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, humanitarian and performer, whose first three albums have sold copies around the world. Shy-Anne is also a highly respected motivational speaker whose presentations have inspired thousands of Canadians. Shy-Anne enjoys involving youth with music every chance she has.

Click on a song:
Can't Change The World 
What about me? 
Run Run Run
Fire
Silver Gypsy
 Recently confirmed, Sean Watson  has joined our mission to empower the youth. 
Sean Watson's "Motivational Magic" is inspiring, fun and an educational performance that motivates students to be all they can be. His positive attitude and magical approach to life, combined with his hilarious tricks and jaw-dropping illusions make Sean a memorable hit each and every time he performs. 

Sean connects with the students as he explains his own struggles in school as a child with learning disabilities. The show promotes peer acceptance, overcoming adversity and believing in oneself.
So, in all we have four great people who want to help bring the spark back in the hearts of so many Attawapiskat youth. We are not sure of the dates as of yet but will publish them shortly. It is all dependent on funds we can secure and how fast.

Our funding campaign is not about raising funds for the community. It’s about raising funds to cover costs for this group to get there, for flights, meals and accommodations while there. These artists are donating their time to mentor, inspire and entertain these youth on more than just a fun level. They all have experience working with youth, guiding them, developing goals and self appreciation. It is more than any amount of money can bring the children. 
Please help and give what you can. Only a few dollars from many can go a long way. 
Well we did challenge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  to join us but appears he will beat us there. He will visit Attawapiskat June 13th, 2016 to meet with the Chiefs and will take time to share with the youth talking and listening to what they need and want so they can be a proud Canadian. It is wonderful he has not forgotten, realizes they are not unloved...as they are, Children of Canada.

Prime Minister Trudeau says he listens to the people of Canada. It appears he is doing just that. These young people are reaching out and just want to be heard. Now is their chance. 
Thank you from our hearts….let’s make a difference now! This is when it counts.

http://www.goingmiles.org/
http://www.scottward.net/
http://shy-anne.com/bio/ 
http://www.watsonsmagic.com/

We would like to acknowledge our gratitude toward some incredible financial assistance for our project. Thank you from our hearts!

Notes: Since the inception of this campaign we have adjusted the campaign goal from $30,000 down to $15,000 and now an adjustment to $5,000 after receiving donations to date, some corporate assistance and reviewing most of the common flights and expenses. 

Well, Most of the expenses have been paid. Todate, flights for most of us to Timmins cost us $3237, flights from Timmins to Attawapiskat cost us $4028 and rooms will cost us $1400 for a total of $8665. Food has been estimated and hoping offers to keep us fed will happen!

Three other flights have been covered by generous donations saving us $3086 apart from the $8665. So yes, very expensive to fly five people to Attawapiskat, totalling over $11750 for this project.

Gofund donations less fees and direct contributions have totalled $5208 towards these expenses, less flight donations of $3086. So on our last journey to departure we have adjusted the goal to our total need to cover expenses of $8664 (less $5208 already...need $3456 more).

Again, this campaign is not about money for the community nor is it about politics. We strongly feel that the colaborated efforts of these speakers and artists will bring more help and empowerment to the youth than any amount of money is worth. We really hope you can feel the same way and help us to still cover our expenses. 

The funds have been primarily for flights, accommodations and meals for members attending this event. And even though we never planned for the luxury side of value the booking, distance and flight schedules all came into play for what we paid. 

Any and all inquiries about accountability or personal contact details are welcome by sending a direct email using the link under my name here. We are all professionals, we are accountable and we will be open and honest about our diligent spending of these funds. 

Thanks

Accounting to Date: as of July 25th, 2016
Gofundme and direct contributions todate - Account showing fees.