Peigan Nation, a First Nations aboriginal reserve, is in Southern Alberta, close to the United States border. Myron Strikes With A Gun and Erin S. are members of the Peigan Youth Task Force. They publish a newsletter which discusses issues relevant to the Peigan Nation youth. In the most recent issue, the idea of a youth curfew was discussed. The idea arose because of problems in the community. There had been vandalism at the health centre in Brocket, numerous fights between youth as well as break-and-enters. The Elders and the youth are concerned about what's happening.

Youth of Peigan are going to be the future leaders of this nation. If alcohol and drugs remain in our daily lives we will not only lose our identities but our futures as well.

James Wolf Tail, 17, of the Peigan Nation recently discussed the idea of having a curfew on the Peigan Nation with members of the Peigan Youth Task Force. "I think it would be wise for our Chief and Council and members of the Peigan Nation to seriously consider a youth curfew," Wolf Tail says.

A youth curfew would help to combat the problems of increased vandalism on the reserve and the use of drugs and alcohol by youth. We, as a community, need to meet the needs of our young. They need guidance and parental support in order to grow into healthy young adults. If enforcing a curfew in Brocket could help reduce these problems, then maybe we should give it some thought.

It would also give surrounding communities an alternative to their own youth problems. Our nation could set an example for others. All we need is a combined community effort and the support of Council's decision if they are in favour of our suggestions.

Our youth may not appreciate this final decision (if there is one) but it would be in their best interests and we feel that later on as they mature they'll realize that our community really cares about them.

So, in conclusion, we leave it to the community, Chief and Council, and the Peigan youth to make the final decision.

It's not all negative news. At the Peigan Nation Secondary School they've got a great phys. ed. program that makes everyone go to gym class, not just the jocks.

 

Students who attend Peigan Nation Secondary School always have something to look forward to after lunch: Physical education. The class offers a huge variety of lessons inlcuding swimming, tennis and even rock climbing. "My other high school never did things like this for class, I mean, we actually went to the swimming pool as a class, not a day trip," says one youth. Students get hands-on experience whether it be golf, or even ice hockey, and that's what makes this class a lot more enjoyable than others.

 

 

I have observed an ongoing problem that seems to occur in every PE class. It is stduents verbally lashing out at other students due to a lack of ability of athletic skills. Put-downs are perhaps the most dangerous thing to a student's emotional development. It can have long-term negative effects. Witnessing this everyday is quite amazing. I mean, I don't really care whether I am a sports man or not, as long as I am having fun and more importantly, that I pass the class.

Teachers, educators and even students should address this problem now because it could eventually lead to death or serious problems in life. Having the idea that you are not good enough isn't what students should be thinking. Instead, we should be thinking about more important things like our future and education. I urge the education system to address these ongoing problems.

Maybe all we need is a few more PE classes - that take the emphasis off individual abilities and winning and puts it on teamwork and having fun.