Saskatchewan youth and sexual health is the focus of a one-day conference in Regina featuring experts in a number of fields including aboriginal youth.
Sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancies are at least two times higher in the aboriginal community.
A nursing supervisor with the Prince Albert Grand Council said she is hoping to change that by focussing on aboriginal teachings and how they relate to youth today.
Shirley Woods has worked in public health for more than 30 years and for the past 20 she has worked for First Nations organizations.
She saidshe is making inroads by engaging youth about traditional ways and wisdom, but she says the bottom line is still open and honest communication.
“And I think we are really now moving a little more towards spending more time talking about what is healthy sexuality, what is healthy relationships and how can we help you and how can we help in our communities,” she said.
Peer pressure was and still is a major factor for influencing decisions among youth. Sometimes bad choices are made.
Dr. Suzanne Swarych from Calgary was the key note speaker at the conference Wednesday morning, addressing the issue of how social media is influencing teen choices on healthy relationships, and sexual risks.
“They are getting pulled into things that include violence, drugs and alcohol, early sexual behaviour because it’s what they see on television and in advertisements,” she said. “And they are not getting the counter messages that they used to get sitting around the kitchen table.”
The conference is being conducted by the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute. Its goal is to build knowledge in the area of sexual and reproductive health and to work effectively with youth.