Meissner, Rooney attend ‘Elders and Youth’ conference

Wrangell Native elder Christine Jenkins, along with Wrangell High School students Darian Meissner and Kayla Rooney made the trip north to the 2012 First Alaskan’s Institute Elders and Youth Conference in Anchorage last week.

Meissner, who is a sophomore at WHS and a member of the Eagle moeity, said the experience was unforgettable – especially because of a pair of Native Eskimo speakers.

“It was a great experience because I love being with all the Elders,” Meissner said. “My favorite part was hearing two Eskimos speak their language in a discussion. The whole time, they might have used two or three English words, but that was it. She later told me she was raised in her language and that was just how she spoke.”

Rooney, who is a Wrangell senior and of the Raven moiety also said the experience was important to her and helped grow inside.

“I took a lot away from the trip, and it was wonderful to take the trip with Darian and Christine,” Rooney said. “It was just so amazing to experience everything the elders have to offer and to learn so much in all the different classes they offered.”

The trip for both students was unique in that it was the first time that students traveled with an elder for the annual event.

The conference covered issues including leadership and education, health, wellness and safety, cultural values and language and land policy in Alaska.

In the cultural values and language presentations, students were able to write a “rap” based on the themes of respect – and were able to present them to fellow youth and elders in attendance.

Native trade practices were also covered and students took part in games where the practices were taught.

Jenkins said the experience of attending the conference is important to the youth that take part.

“It’s a good experience for young people to go to events like this, where they hear what elders have gone through in their lives and look at their experiences,” Jenkins said. “We had a lot of role models and leaders that they could talk to on a one-to-one basis. I also have to say I could not have had two better girls to take to the conference.”

The Elders and Youth Conference was held in conjunction with the Alaska Federation of Natives convention. The group is the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska.