Youth awareness day connects tribal community

With so many issues facing youngsters today, the Washoe Tribe Police believe it is vital to plan special events to give tribal youth the tools they need to make good choices.

The Washoe Tribe Police Annual Youth Awareness Day was held Saturday at the Carson Indian Colony Community Building.

"We hold this annually because we're trying to have officers get to know kids and kids get to know officers, so not every contact is negative. We want them to have positive experiences," said Richard Varner, chief of police for the Washoe Tribe.

The event featured various state and tribal departments addressing issues and focusing on the youth of today. Issues addressed through booths and activities included drug awareness, truancy, bike safety, stranger danger and a face-to-face video showing how a meth addict's face changes with use.

The Nevada Highway Patrol had a DUI simulator available, and kids were able to meet and take pictures with Smokey The Bear.

Gary Nevers, chairman of the Carson Indian Colony said he believes tribal youth face even more issues than other youth in the community.

"Finishing school is a big one for them, so we get everyone together here to show them some of the different career paths available," he said. "During a youth symposium, they told us they wanted us to bring more programs to them, so this is one of the ways we can do that."

Another issue that's always looming, he said, is methamphetamine use, although it's hardly just a local issue, Nevers said.

"We always have to worry about the next generation and we hope we can make a difference," he said.

Wanda Batchelor, chairwoman of the Washoe Tribe, said the Saturday event is always a great partnership.

"Another of our goals is to bring families together," she said. "There are also health checks, and we're kicking off the start of school by giving out backpacks."

Varner said he hopes all the efforts put forth will create change.

"Our passion and our motivation is to effect positive change. What the tribe was 40 years ago isn't what it is today," he said.

Fifteen-year-old Casey Rupert said she learned that "gangs are bad," and she enjoyed meeting up with people.

"I like this event because it gets everyone together and everyone has fun," she said.

Her friend Majesta Roach, 14, said she enjoys learning in a fun atmosphere.

"This brings fun into learning about drugs and alcohol. It's hard to see people you know give into peer pressure, and their lives are ruined now," she said.

Other participating agencies included the Carson City Gang Unit, Bureau of Indian Affairs/Law Enforcement Standards Office, Carson City Fire Department, Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, Department of Public Safety, Nevada Highway Patrol, Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada Division of Forestry.