Positive Youth Engagement Talks
Jadeon’s journey is one that is filled with resilience, growth, and transformation. Despite facing numerous challenges and adversities, he has overcome his challenging past and finds ways to continue to grow each day. Jadeon now uses his experiences, strength, and wisdom, to inspire positive change within his community. Please take a few moments to read Jadeon’s story. This story showcases exactly why Jadeon is the perfect individual to host your workshop, allowing you to further strengthen your community and the future of its children.
Jadeon was born and raised in a First Nations community in Northern Manitoba and comes from a rich heritage of artists and traditional knowledge keepers. In the beginning years of his life, he was exposed to the rich culture of his family, giving him a strong connection to his roots. However, Jaden faced a difficult situation growing up due to the racial tensions within his community. Being light-skinned, he experienced bullying from fellow First Nations children and ridicule from white children. This created a sense of isolation and confusion about his identity.
At the age of 16, Jadeon took a fateful turn and was lured into a gang, leading him down a dark path, one of violence and crime. For 13 years, he experienced unimaginable horrors. Jadeon has been kidnapped multiple times, shot, and near death after being stabbed 5 times in the chest, and countless encounters with the law. This dark period had Jadeon spend a total of 6 years in prison. Despite his challenges, Jadeon’s story took a positive turn at the age of 28 when he reconnected with his First Nations family. After reuniting with his mother, a respected birch bark biting artist known as Half Moon Woman, Jadeon was introduced to his mentor Gyuauustees. Gyuauustees would eventually adopt him as a nephew. He also had experienced the destructive influence of gangs in his life. Gyuauustees shared his experiences with Jadeon and emphasized the transformative power of carving as a ceremonial practice. This connection gave Jadeon a new sense of purpose and direction in life.
Furthermore, during this time, Jadeon discovered that he had a daughter. This revelation further solidified his commitment to break free from his past and create a better life for himself and Desiree. Determined to leave behind his former lifestyle, Jadeon chose to become drug and alcohol-free. For the past 17 years and counting, Jadeon has remained dedicated to his journey of self-improvement and community empowerment. His strong desire to give back to his community has inspired him to conduct workshops on gang and drug prevention. Drawing on his own experiences, he can deeply connect with children, educate them about the dangers of gang involvement, and shed light on the false promises and harsh realities that come with it.
Jadeon’s story is a true testament to the human capacity for change and growth. Through his personal transformation, he has become an inspiration for others who may be facing similar challenges. His commitment to his cultural heritage, the art of carving, and his determination to help young people avoid the pitfalls of gang life are all incredibly powerful ways he is contributing to a brighter future for our Turtle Island communities.
If you are interested in hosting one of these workshops in your own community, you are encouraged to reach out for more information. These workshops promise to provide invaluable insights into the lure of gangs, the dangers of drugs, and the importance of making positive life choices. By engaging with Jadeon’s powerful story and the lessons he has learned, attendees will gain a deep understanding of the risks involved in gang involvement and substance abuse. By participating in these workshops, you can help empower your community's youth to make informed decisions and choose a path that leads to a brighter and more promising future.
To secure a spot for your community please book a time in the calendar below. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need any additional information about our workshops.
March 18th - 23rd, Alberta
March 25th - 29th, Saskatchewan
April 1st - 5th, Manitoba
Kooteney, Shushwap and Okanagon can be booked at almost any time. For the Lower Mainland and other parts of BC, please contact me.
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