Aboriginal Youth Education Day features Crystal Shawanda

Nationally renowned country singer, Crystal Shawanda, will inspire students in Rainbow Schools when she speaks at the Aboriginal Youth Education Day on Friday, April 9, 2010. During the day, from 9 am to 2 pm at Tom Davies Square, students will learn more about careers and pursue post secondary and apprenticeship opportunities.

“It is a great honour to have Crystal Shawanda come and speak to our students as part of this special day,” says First Nations Trustee Grace Fox. “She is a positive influence and will be a great inspiration for student success.”

Crystal Shawanda is a country music singer, songwriter and guitarist from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. Shawanda started writing and performing at a young age. By 2007, she signed with RCA Records in Nashville, Tennessee.  In 2009, she toured with country music sensation Brad Paisley. She is currently performing across Western Canada with Reba McEntire. Crystal Shawanda has won many Canadian music awards.  (For more information, please visit www.crystalshawandaonline.com.)

During Aboriginal Youth Education Day, students will participate in a variety of workshops presented by local Aboriginal role models. Workshops will focus on careers in business, the environment, health and education. The day will also include an opportunity for all students to learn more about First Nation, Métis and Inuit cultures, history and traditions.

“Aboriginal Youth Education Day will broaden student perspectives,” says Kathy Dokis-Ranney, Principal of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education in Rainbow Schools.  “Our guest speaker and workshop presenters will give students a first-hand look at different careers.  Students will be encouraged to set goals and work to achieve them.”

This event, supported by the Ministry of Education, is being presented in partnership with the Northern Aboriginal Festival and Sudbury Catholic District School Board.

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Media Contact:

Kathy Dokis-Ranney, Principal of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education
Rainbow District School Board, 671-5940, ext. 6471.