Humboldt Broncos crash survivor Kaleb Dahlgren will speak about mental health at an upcoming event in Biggar. (Submitted/St. Gabriel School)

By Angela Brown

St. Gabriel School

School group plans youth mental health conference in Biggar

Mar 17, 2023 | 9:36 AM

Mental health will be the focus of a special conference in Biggar next month.

St. Gabriel School’s Random Acts of Kindness Club (RAK) is organizing the “Youth Kindness Conference – Building Tools for Tomorrow” event.

Several guest speakers will share some of their experiences as part of the event.

The conference aims to help promote positive mental health in youth in Grades 4 to 9. The event will take place at the school April 21 and 22.

Kaleb Dahlgren, one of the survivors of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash of April 6, 2018, will also give a community presentation at Biggar Town Hall at 7 p.m. on April 22.

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The former Humboldt Broncos player is author of the book, Crossroads: My story of tragedy and resilience as a Humboldt Bronco. The cost to attend the evening session is $40.

Teacher Demonda Evanisky, co-leader of the RAK group, hopes the conference helps kids understand that people are there if they need support facing challenges in their lives.

“We’re talking about mental health— how to overcome [difficult] experiences, and where there is help,” she said. “We hope that they realize that they are not alone in any of their journeys. There are places to turn to for help.”

Among the guest speakers is Delvin Kanewiyakiho, who will talk about anti-racism and Taylor Chetty, who will discuss empathy.

Landan Waite, whose sister lost her life to suicide, will speak about the issue of mental health.

D. Jay McGrath, a former hockey player, will also give a presentation at the conference.

Carmen Ledding, a representative with the Canadian Mental Health Association, will give a talk at the event as well.

A number of display booths will be set up at the conference, with information about where youth can access services and support in the area.

Evanisky said the RAK group fundraised, applied for grants, and asked local businesses to sponsor the event, to help cover some of the costs.

She hopes the conference puts a spotlight on the sensitive issue of mental health.

“It’s so important,” Evanisky said. “I’ve seen it growing up myself, where kids don’t know who to turn to, and they figure they are alone.”

She hopes the conference offers youth some insight into the issue, so they know that no one is ever alone. Those in crisis just need to reach out.

“If someone is saying something, take it seriously, because if you don’t, you never know what may happen,” Evanisky said. “If someone says: I just can’t do it anymore. Well, what does that mean? We want the youth to realize: There are other ways out. You don’t have to turn to drugs, suicide, drinking, or any of that.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow