Children’s dance competition in Standoff helps promote youth mental health

The easing of what has seemed like endless restrictions and rules is a cause for celebration. Getting out to dance is much-needed for our physical and mental health, and children on the Blood Tribe First Nation got that opportunity Thursday morning.  The children’s dance competition is one of nine events that are part of the Blood Tribe’s Honouring Life project, which aims to improve mental health in their youth.
The competition is not only fun for the kids, it is an exercise in freedom to dance.  Something that Indigenous people have not always had.  Merle Spear Chief is a Residential School survivor where dancing was not allowed.  She says it is important for new generations to know their identity.

Naveen Day

Naveen's career in broadcast and production spans close to 30 years. Prior to his move to Alberta, he was Senior Producer for two factual entertainment shows for Shaw and BellMTS, which were produced in his hometown of Winnipeg. He also served as a Producer and Production Supervisor at one of Canada's largest and fastest growing churches, and helped lead a production team of 75 volunteers. Naveen came on board with the team at Bridge City News in 2018 and performs on both sides of the camera lens as Producer, Editor, Production Coordinator, Back-up Anchor, Interview Host, and Video Journalist. In February 2022, Naveen went to Ottawa to provide daily, boots-on-the-ground coverage of the Freedom Convoy - an experience he describes as a monumental moment in Canadian history. Naveen is a two-time Communicator Awards recipient. In 2023, he won the Excellence Award for a piece he did on Alberta's Disability workers, and in 2024, he won again for a story titled, "New Smile, New Life".

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