Reflecting Back, Moving Forward

When we think of a gift, we envision brightly coloured paper and fancy bows. And of course we imagine what lies within the dazzle of the wrapping. But some gifts come in less obvious ways. Sometimes gifts are not recognized as such until time has passed and we accept them for the gifts they are.

As Dreamcatcher celebrates its 16th year, we turn to the West for direction. There we find the gift of introspection, of reflection. It is the place of dreams, meditation, and prayers. It is a place where we are encouraged to reflect on the gifts we have been given and how we have used them to benefit ourselves and others. In the West, we celebrate our accomplishments, acknowledge our mistakes, and learn from our past. In doing so, we recognize the importance of change and the personal commitment required to continue moving forward.

This year, Dreamcatcher is “Reflecting Back, Moving Forward.” In our first year we welcomed approximately 400 attendees. In subsequent years we saw attendance exceed 2,000 participants and we faced the challenges that came with rapid growth. As a conference, we are still young, and we’re still developing our path. We continue to call on our ancestors and Elders for guidance and direction as we move forward. Today Dreamcatcher is recognized for its commitment to education, to youth empowerment, to helping youth make healthy living choices, and for its vital inclusion of culture and tradition when building foundations for future growth.

Some come to Dreamcatcher for the learning, some for the networking, and still others come for the opportunity to share their own life stories. Some participants who attended originally as youth have returned as adults, to give back to the community what they have learned. Some say, “Dreamcatcher has planted in me the seed of change.” Join us in our journey as we reflect back and move forward.