KI youth embrace Portugal trip

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Deputy Chief Darryl Sainnawap enjoyed meeting people and sharing information about his community during the Rotary International Convention in Lisbon, Portugal.
“It was amazing to get to know people, share our story and the conditions and the hardships we face in a developed country,” Sainnawap said. “People around the world don’t realize that.”
Sainnawap attended the Rotary convention with KI youth Dieter Sainnawap and Lilyanna McKay and Third World Canada film director Andree Cazabon as a continuation of the KI visit by a group of 43 Canadians from June 17-21.
Cazabon said she was extremely impressed by the growth in confidence of the youth since she started spending time with them for the filming of 3rd World Canada, and how their confidence was so evident during their time in Portugal.
“I was blown away in having the joy of watching young people like Lily and Dieter stand up to the leaders of the world stage and be able to welcome total strangers,” Cazabon said.
“Watching them teach others from around the world about their community was a dream come true for me.”
Sainnawap opened his presentation to the convention with a prayer in Oji-Cree, Dieter sang a traditional song and described his concerns for youth and McKay described the challenges she has overcome to graduate from high school this year.
“We didn’t go there to ask for any funding or help in any way,” Sainnawap said. “But we did go there, basically, to knock on their doors and say ‘hello, we’re from KI and we’re looking to make friends and partnerships and work together on how to make a better future for everybody.”
Sainnawap said they were able to make friends and get to know people from around the globe during the convention, which was attended by about 25,000 people from June 23-26.
“We had good feedback — basically it was just to raise awareness of our issues, not only our issues but our strengths,” Sainnawap said. “And we went there to make more friendships and partnerships with people from around the world.”
Dieter said the trip was good because he met many people who were interested in the problems facing First Nations people.
“I met a lot of good people that are willing to help and start friendships and start making change,” Dieter said. “It makes me feel good inside because it’s starting to open the eyes of the world.”
The KI members also took the opportunity to go fishing on the Atlantic Ocean.
“I was hoping to go marlin fishing and tuna fishing, but that doesn’t happen until August,” Sainnawap said. “We were able to find a boat and they were able to take us fishing (for) some different species of fish. But I think our trout were still bigger.”
Sainnawap enjoyed being out on the ocean waves.
“Me and Dieter were able to jump off the boat and taste the salt water for the first time,” Sainnawap said. “There’s more buoyancy, but you feel very small.”
Cazabon said the swimming episode was one of the highlights for her on the trip.
“It was a moment I’ll never forget, being behind the camera as Lily, Dieter and Darryl hit the ocean waves for the first time and seeing them being so joyful, knowing they had done so well during their time in Portugal,” Cazabon said.
Sainnawap said the convention trip was his and the youth’s first opportunity to visit outside the country.
“They thought it was amazing,” Sainnawap said about the youth. “I think it’s opened their eyes to new perspectives on life and the world. It was different; things are done in a different way.”
Sainnawap rated the trip as a 10 out of 10.
“I would recommend it for any youth,” Sainnawap said. “What I was thinking while I was fishing is more young people need to make goals, not only for themselves but for their community. One of the things they should put on their list of things to do in life is to travel and see the world. It opens your eyes and gives you a whole new perspective on life.”
Dieter said the country of Portugal was welcoming.
“It was a different climate, different trees, everything was so different — it was a new experience,” Dieter said. “The people were very nice. They just welcome you and they help you if you are lost.”