Second annual Gang Prevention Symposium set for February 5th-7th

Building on the resounding success of its inaugural events, the second annual Gang Prevention Symposium and Elders & Youth Gathering are set for this weekend in North Battleford.

A partnership between the City of North Battleford, the Battlefords Regional Community Coalition (BRCC), Concern for Youth, and Safer Schools Together (SST), this year’s symposium features professional development sessions aimed to equip local agencies with the intervention and recognition tools necessary to help prevent youth from joining gangs. 

“We are very happy to continue this important work of connecting service providers with industry professionals like Safer Schools Together,” commented BRCC Executive Director Brad Swiftwolfe. “By offering these innovative intervention strategies to local agencies, we aim to build a better, safer future for our at-risk youth in the Battlefords.” 

Agencies from across the province will have booths in the Don Ross Centre Gym to highlight their respective services. Members of the public are invited to attend and learn about the more than 20 different agencies between 4pm-5pm each day on February 5th and 6th. 

Elders & Youth Gathering

An additional event is scheduled for Saturday with the Elders & Youth Gathering. This features a drumming and dancing team performance and cultural connection opportunities for youth and local Elders, along with a screening of Handle with Care - The Legend of the Notic. The award-winning documentary about the Vancouver-based streetball team will set the tone for a new event for 2026, a basketball camp ages 9-18 years.           

“We are honoured and excited to return to the Battlefords this weekend. Our partnership with the BRCC allows for so many exciting opportunities, including the Elders and Youth Gathering and Basketball Camp this Saturday at the Don Ross Community Center,” said Rob Rai, Senior Executive Consultant with SST. Rai noted that among the contingent travelling to North Battleford this weekend are former professional basketball players. 

Not only will youth receive free instruction for the camp, they will also have an opportunity to receive giveaways including basketball clothing and gear, along with two signed NBA jerseys.

“We are grateful to our many partners for making this happen, including Athelite Basketball Academy and the Pacific Northwest Sports Group,” said Rai. “A special thank you to the Lindy Waters III Foundation, representing Lindy Waters III, who is a current NBA player for the San Antonio Spurs and a proud citizen of the Kiowa and Cherokee Nations.”

Registration is not required for the Elders & Youth Gathering, which is set for 10am-3pm on February 7th.

Funding for the Gang Prevention Symposium is mainly from Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund. For inquiries or registration for the symposium, please contact Brad Swiftwolfe at executivedirector@brccoalition.ca.

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For more information:

Candace Toma, Public & Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator
306-441-0713 | publicrelations@cityofnb.ca