Dakota House recently visited Nemaska Cree Nation in northern Quebec during the opening of Luke Mettaweskum School’s new building addition. The event was filled with numerous artists, such as actor Nathaniel Arcand, who teamed up with House and held a workshop on the film and television industry. The evening celebration was emceed by the two actors, who acknowledged the graduates, past and present, from the school. Local entertainers performed and shared the stage with Claude Mackenzie, formerly of Innu group Kashtin.
House also recently celebrated six years of sobriety and is on a healing journey with “Going M.I.L.E.S.”, a leadership program he founded. M.I.L.E.S. is an acronym for motivate, inspire, lead, empower and succeed. House is also a single father of four, a facilitator, a writer and a martial artist. He has his hands full, with requests coming in from all over the country for the Going M.I.L.E.S. workshops, which are geared to youth and community members.
House stated, “In the 21st century we have seen a change in our young that needs to be addressed.” He added, “A change that is causing concern in most, if not all, of our leaders. Our young are straying away from tradition and responsibilities to a life of MuchMusic and Facebook mixed with sex, drugs and alcohol to top the list.”
House said he started his own program that is not reliant on government funding because it is “unstable and not on par for First Nations communities.”
Community members usually make a request to bring in House and he looks at each request on its own merits and goals and if it fits the Going M.I.L.E.S. mandate to inspire and motivate communities. He uses the arts as a medium to tap into the natural talents and abilities of participants. This deals with issues that affect communities such as low self-esteem, parenting, drugs and alcohol, and gang intervention. On a regular basis, House brings in other top entertainers to host video dance parties and concerts and shows, such as the Scott Ward Hypnosis Show.
The Going M.I.L.E.S. team members have been making positive waves across the country with House leading the way. For more information on the program go to: www.goingmiles.com or www.dakotahouse.ca for bookings for your event or conference.
