Teen's legacy soars during city conference
TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Kimbi Chartrand,
18, of Norway House/Skownan (left), and Corey Cook, 16, of
Bloodvain are among 84 who painted mural during the conference.
Karen and Floyd Wiebe, whose son was murdered in 2003, brought 84 students from northern Manitoba to a leadership and drug education conference this week called Soaring Eagles.
The couple said no family should go through the devastation of losing a child through violence, so their goal is to help enrich the lives of other young people and prevent them from making potentially negative decisions.
"We wanted to reach the youth from more remote communities in order to help them learn," Floyd Wiebe said. "They can then return to their communities and make positive contributions."
The conference was held earlier this week at Canad Inns Fort Garry.
T.J. Wiebe was just 20 and battling a serious drug problem that ultimately cost him his life. He was lured by a group of drug associates outside the city and killed in January 2003.
His parents didn't want their son's death to be in vain, so they created a foundation called T.J.'s Gift to keep his memory alive.
That growing fund has allowed 84 students from the north -- primarily aboriginal kids -- to visit Winnipeg to learn about leadership, mentorship and gang and drug awareness.
The kids were encouraged to remain drug-free and steer clear of gangs, and were asked to teach what they had learned to other students when they get home.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' punter Troy Westwood was one of several inspirational speakers at the conference. (Editor's Note: Troy Westwood was unavailable for the conference) There were also entertainers, workshops and the opportunity for participants to meet privately with elders and police for guidance.
Now that the conference in over, the Wiebes have set up a communication network for additional support when students return home.
"This is something Manitobans need to hear about," Floyd Wiebe said. "These kids are trying to learn about their future as leaders. They want themselves and their peers to make good choices."
eva.cohen@freepress.mb.ca
NOTE: Troy Westwood did not actually attend the conference. BUt the author didn't know that when she wrote the article.
