Preet Dhaliwal,
Teacher Nipisihkopakh Secondary School
Hobbema, Alberta
"The Power of Choice is a highly customizable program that has great promise in guiding and helping First Nations students. Each student has individual needs and capabilities and this program works not only with the student, but for them, ensuring step-by-step success and step-by-step support. Students need to be able to work at a pace that they can manage, at the same time feel a sense of confidence and accomplishment; the Power of Choice allows students to reach their potential.
The program shows students how small changes in behaviours, attitudes and thought processes can lead to a significant impact in ones future. By learning the importance of setting realistic goals for themselves, students are able to appreciate the new heights that they are able to reach, instilling the notion that within them that everything is possible. A teacher’s goal for a student is to educate in order to empower, but the Power of Choice gives a great gift to students, the ability to empower themselves.
The program has had a great effect on the students by making them accountable for themselves and their own success. In my school, students that had difficulty completing assignments were grouped together in addition to several higher performing students in an effort to encourage one another and to elicit a positive behavioural change. The students started the program with no consistency in their homework completion and with below average exam scores. In order to make develop a system that was effective, it was necessary to utilize the tools that the students had at their disposal, and the tools that students used often; home phone and cell phone numbers, email addresses and social network names were exchanged and became the primary source of after school student contact. Students were given an outline to follow regarding the proper usage of this system, and for the next month on the program, that is exactly what had happened. Students contacted each other after school to check up on each others progress on homework, communicated any problems with difficulty they were experiencing and even gave each other assistance with homework and studying. With the higher performing students participating, students were shown consistency that they were unfamiliar with prior to starting. Establishing a positive learning environment outside of the classroom is vital to student success, and by the time the students had finished the program, in class productivity had increased as well as student confidence. Students began to enjoy learning on their own and began to participate regularly in class, displaying their new-found knowledge and accompanying self-esteem. The constant communication outside of class had also created a friendlier environment inside of class. My classroom in particular, students' performance greatly improved and this was shown in their homework assignments, and on their term report cards. Since finishing the program, students have retained the excitement to learn and are consistently performing well beyond their previous baselines. The Power of Choice taught students how to 'keep their promises' and deal with unwanted habits by developing healthy habits."
The program shows students how small changes in behaviours, attitudes and thought processes can lead to a significant impact in ones future. By learning the importance of setting realistic goals for themselves, students are able to appreciate the new heights that they are able to reach, instilling the notion that within them that everything is possible. A teacher’s goal for a student is to educate in order to empower, but the Power of Choice gives a great gift to students, the ability to empower themselves.
The program has had a great effect on the students by making them accountable for themselves and their own success. In my school, students that had difficulty completing assignments were grouped together in addition to several higher performing students in an effort to encourage one another and to elicit a positive behavioural change. The students started the program with no consistency in their homework completion and with below average exam scores. In order to make develop a system that was effective, it was necessary to utilize the tools that the students had at their disposal, and the tools that students used often; home phone and cell phone numbers, email addresses and social network names were exchanged and became the primary source of after school student contact. Students were given an outline to follow regarding the proper usage of this system, and for the next month on the program, that is exactly what had happened. Students contacted each other after school to check up on each others progress on homework, communicated any problems with difficulty they were experiencing and even gave each other assistance with homework and studying. With the higher performing students participating, students were shown consistency that they were unfamiliar with prior to starting. Establishing a positive learning environment outside of the classroom is vital to student success, and by the time the students had finished the program, in class productivity had increased as well as student confidence. Students began to enjoy learning on their own and began to participate regularly in class, displaying their new-found knowledge and accompanying self-esteem. The constant communication outside of class had also created a friendlier environment inside of class. My classroom in particular, students' performance greatly improved and this was shown in their homework assignments, and on their term report cards. Since finishing the program, students have retained the excitement to learn and are consistently performing well beyond their previous baselines. The Power of Choice taught students how to 'keep their promises' and deal with unwanted habits by developing healthy habits."
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Here is a short video clip taken from First Nations Elder Hugh McKenzie answers Scott's question, "What does the Power of Choice mean to you?"
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The following feedback is from First Nation educators in Hobbema, Alberta who participated in a full-day Habit Mastery & Power of Choice School Program delivered by Scott Gallagher. The program included 28 days of follow-up with weekly meetings and train-the-trainer coaching.
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Power of Choice First Nations Programs are customized by Scott Gallagher and Hugh Mckenzie. Hugh is a certified Native Drug and Alcohol Counselor who has completed the Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention Program, and has an Ontario College Diploma from Canadore College, North Bay, Ontario.
Hugh McKenzie's spirit name is Zaagiidgeaway Gabo ("Stands near the top of the hill"). He is a 68 year old Ojibway Elder, Artist, Musician & Traditional Healer from Temagami First Nation, Bear Island, ON, who approached us three years ago based on divine guidance he received.
Hugh lived his early childhood in the traditional native way on family trap-lines on Lake Temagami, hunting, fishing and trapping. During his winter months he learned about his lifestyle and spiritual ways through the Elders and Medicine People. Storytelling and spiritual teachings were given to him by his Grandfathers, Grandmothers and parents. This was the beginning of the “Seven Grandfather Teachings”. During these early years Hugh also understood how family lifestyle teachings were the strengths to help him into adulthood.
Hugh watched as his childhood friends were taken away to resident schools by the Indian agents and policemen. This would have a deep affect on him for the rest of his life. When they returned home he saw their emptiness and low self worth and lack of interest in family lifestyle and spiritual culture and growth. Hugh lost many of my best friends to suicide.
Hugh brings with him the Sacred Healing Ceremonies and the Seven Grandfather Teachings as a healing path to forgiveness of ourselves and others. This path of recovery of old values and traditional spiritual ways helps people who seek Oneness with their Creator. Hugh struggled with alcohol addiction for 40 years. It was through the Sweat-Lodge, Healing Lodge and Sharing Circle Teachings, that he was helped, and came around to self awareness, honesty and acceptance of himself and his personal commitment and belief in his Creator. Hugh has 21 years of sobriety, and has participated and facilitated in many different teaching/healing events, Sweat Lodge, Healing Lodge, Sunrise Ceremony, Hand Drum Making, Sacred Pipe Ceremonies, 12 step recovery programs, and the Habit Mastery & Power of Choice Program.
He uses his art and music as tools for “Healing with Art and Music” in art classes that he teaches throughout different communities, schools and Cultural Centers on and off reserves. Hugh has been running his own art gallery from his home on the Bear Island reserve for the past 20 years.
He resides with his wife Victoria, who is also a Traditional Healer, Helper and Teacher and has had her own successful healing practice for the past 20 years. They share and practice their Native Teachings together and offer healing and spiritual guidance in thier community, as well as travel to other communities both native and non native.
We at Power of Choice Wellness Inc, are not only proud, but completely humbled that Hugh Mckenzie approached us to represent and partner with our organization.
Hugh McKenzie's spirit name is Zaagiidgeaway Gabo ("Stands near the top of the hill"). He is a 68 year old Ojibway Elder, Artist, Musician & Traditional Healer from Temagami First Nation, Bear Island, ON, who approached us three years ago based on divine guidance he received.
Hugh lived his early childhood in the traditional native way on family trap-lines on Lake Temagami, hunting, fishing and trapping. During his winter months he learned about his lifestyle and spiritual ways through the Elders and Medicine People. Storytelling and spiritual teachings were given to him by his Grandfathers, Grandmothers and parents. This was the beginning of the “Seven Grandfather Teachings”. During these early years Hugh also understood how family lifestyle teachings were the strengths to help him into adulthood.
Hugh watched as his childhood friends were taken away to resident schools by the Indian agents and policemen. This would have a deep affect on him for the rest of his life. When they returned home he saw their emptiness and low self worth and lack of interest in family lifestyle and spiritual culture and growth. Hugh lost many of my best friends to suicide.
Hugh brings with him the Sacred Healing Ceremonies and the Seven Grandfather Teachings as a healing path to forgiveness of ourselves and others. This path of recovery of old values and traditional spiritual ways helps people who seek Oneness with their Creator. Hugh struggled with alcohol addiction for 40 years. It was through the Sweat-Lodge, Healing Lodge and Sharing Circle Teachings, that he was helped, and came around to self awareness, honesty and acceptance of himself and his personal commitment and belief in his Creator. Hugh has 21 years of sobriety, and has participated and facilitated in many different teaching/healing events, Sweat Lodge, Healing Lodge, Sunrise Ceremony, Hand Drum Making, Sacred Pipe Ceremonies, 12 step recovery programs, and the Habit Mastery & Power of Choice Program.
He uses his art and music as tools for “Healing with Art and Music” in art classes that he teaches throughout different communities, schools and Cultural Centers on and off reserves. Hugh has been running his own art gallery from his home on the Bear Island reserve for the past 20 years.
He resides with his wife Victoria, who is also a Traditional Healer, Helper and Teacher and has had her own successful healing practice for the past 20 years. They share and practice their Native Teachings together and offer healing and spiritual guidance in thier community, as well as travel to other communities both native and non native.
We at Power of Choice Wellness Inc, are not only proud, but completely humbled that Hugh Mckenzie approached us to represent and partner with our organization.
First Nation Schools - Community Resource Process for Native Recovery
Jody Tetreau, Teacher
Hazelton Secondary School
Hazelton, British Columbia
"After Scott's Keynote Assembly, we had 30 students begin the program and each and every one of them took something away from it even if they did not complete the sessions. This is an amazing feat in a low socio-economical First Nations community where suicide issues run rampant.
Our students spoke about the value of learning how to set realistic goals, the power of drinking water and that they had more control over themselves. Along with more personal accomplishments our student also learned:
For example, for the first time, at least two students began to come to school with a water bottle with them every day. This could be seen as small change but for someone that consumed only pop this was significant. Two other students began to incorporate goal setting into their daily lives and vocabulary.
One very noticeable change was with a young man who had a serious problem with authority figures. He actually attended every follow-up meeting we had. He also developed a good personable relationship with me as a fellow group member, and as an equal, that had a positive effect on our classroom relationship.
He picked up his grade and passed my class with a decent mark. When I asked him afterward about the change he said that he learned that the authority figures will always be there and it's his choice as to how to deal with them. He has the power to change, he has the power to agree or disagree with their requests. HE has the power, not them. This was a huge step forward for him.
There were also measurable changes in all three of my student buddies. One buddy apologized to an old friend living in the next town over and now spends time with that person again having fun and being a teen. My partner is also still exceeding his goal of learning rudimentary drumming patterns every day and is on his way to being a fantastic drummer.
My second partner wanted to sing more because it made her happy and so purchased a karaoke machine and sings every day and feels great. This partner was shy and withdrawn and stopped participating in the group the next day but she still sought out her happiness and worked the program independently.
My third partner is the largest change. He wanted to quit the addiction of putting every one else around him before himself (he offered this information to me). He is 16 with a one year old child and has rekindled his relationship with his child's mother in a healthy, respectful way putting his needs before those of his other friends. This relationship had been clearly recognized as being toxic and one-sided. He has changed that and seems very happy now.
The program does not only influence the lives of these resilient young teenagers now but it also affects their futures. Every child that participated in the program all the way to the end was affected and profoundly changed in some way."
Hazelton Secondary School
Hazelton, British Columbia
"After Scott's Keynote Assembly, we had 30 students begin the program and each and every one of them took something away from it even if they did not complete the sessions. This is an amazing feat in a low socio-economical First Nations community where suicide issues run rampant.
Our students spoke about the value of learning how to set realistic goals, the power of drinking water and that they had more control over themselves. Along with more personal accomplishments our student also learned:
- How to meet new people and interact with them appropriately
- How to make commitments to each other
- That the power of our words and commitment are important
- There are consequences for behavior (even in the assembly Scott held them accountable if they talked, without putting them down)
- This isn't about them personally, it's about their behavior
- About drugs and drug use
- How the power of your own life choices can change you, and you can change.
For example, for the first time, at least two students began to come to school with a water bottle with them every day. This could be seen as small change but for someone that consumed only pop this was significant. Two other students began to incorporate goal setting into their daily lives and vocabulary.
One very noticeable change was with a young man who had a serious problem with authority figures. He actually attended every follow-up meeting we had. He also developed a good personable relationship with me as a fellow group member, and as an equal, that had a positive effect on our classroom relationship.
He picked up his grade and passed my class with a decent mark. When I asked him afterward about the change he said that he learned that the authority figures will always be there and it's his choice as to how to deal with them. He has the power to change, he has the power to agree or disagree with their requests. HE has the power, not them. This was a huge step forward for him.
There were also measurable changes in all three of my student buddies. One buddy apologized to an old friend living in the next town over and now spends time with that person again having fun and being a teen. My partner is also still exceeding his goal of learning rudimentary drumming patterns every day and is on his way to being a fantastic drummer.
My second partner wanted to sing more because it made her happy and so purchased a karaoke machine and sings every day and feels great. This partner was shy and withdrawn and stopped participating in the group the next day but she still sought out her happiness and worked the program independently.
My third partner is the largest change. He wanted to quit the addiction of putting every one else around him before himself (he offered this information to me). He is 16 with a one year old child and has rekindled his relationship with his child's mother in a healthy, respectful way putting his needs before those of his other friends. This relationship had been clearly recognized as being toxic and one-sided. He has changed that and seems very happy now.
The program does not only influence the lives of these resilient young teenagers now but it also affects their futures. Every child that participated in the program all the way to the end was affected and profoundly changed in some way."
Opal Charters, District Principal
First Nation Education,
Merritt, British Columbia
"We were delighted that we were able to bring Scott's program to our school.
He really held those young people's attention all day - they got the message loud and clear. And I'm so glad he emphasized that there is nothing wrong with us - that it's our interpretation of life that paints how we see our life and our future.
Scott made us realize the fallacy of our story of being worthless, unwanted, stupid, dumb, weak, spoiled, unworthy, or a loser. He gave us the power to whitewash the tainted picture away.
The most powerful part of the program was about taking small, manageable steps that mean we can be successful. Scott gave these young people the chance and the ability to create a future that is vibrant and clear, free from guilt and full of hope.
I've since been promoted to another school and, with luck, I will be able to bring Scott in for my new students in the coming year. Thank you Scott for making this incredible program available to us!"
First Nation Education,
Merritt, British Columbia
"We were delighted that we were able to bring Scott's program to our school.
He really held those young people's attention all day - they got the message loud and clear. And I'm so glad he emphasized that there is nothing wrong with us - that it's our interpretation of life that paints how we see our life and our future.
Scott made us realize the fallacy of our story of being worthless, unwanted, stupid, dumb, weak, spoiled, unworthy, or a loser. He gave us the power to whitewash the tainted picture away.
The most powerful part of the program was about taking small, manageable steps that mean we can be successful. Scott gave these young people the chance and the ability to create a future that is vibrant and clear, free from guilt and full of hope.
I've since been promoted to another school and, with luck, I will be able to bring Scott in for my new students in the coming year. Thank you Scott for making this incredible program available to us!"
