Monday, May 26 celebrated the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation and the premiere event, ‘A Day of Inspiration’, at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. A team of inspirational speakers empowered and uplifted the spirit of the community, and gave participants an introduction to important economic and social development opportunities.
 
“This event was applicable to anyone and everyone who wanted a dose of inspiration in their life,” said Terri Roulette McCartney, the executive conference producer for this event.
 
“We get so bogged down with things in our daily lives. People can’t even turn on the television without talk about crime, violence, and depravity. The whole point of this event, was to be the positive force in that sort of negativity.”
 
‘A Day of Inspiration’ featured a variety of presenters, including visionary leader, Chief Clarence Louie, cultural figure and philanthropist, John Kim Bell, world youth activist, Kimmie Weeks, television producer Elaine Bomberry, Dr. Gabriela Ilie, youth advocate for Aboriginal issues, Jordan Fleury, and a special performance by Dakota Spirit, a youth drumming group from Sioux Valley.
 
“While this event was open to anyone and everyone, 500 (90 per cent) of our tickets were sold to Aboriginal youth between the ages of 15 to 29. I think it was so incredible that people as far away as The Pas attended. Communities really believed in this,” said McCartney.
 
“This event was all about self-empowerment. Its purpose was to uplift people and let them know that they can be anyone and do anything they want in life. It was all about mind over matter.”
 
For more information on this event, visit www.adayofinspiration.com.