New graduate wants to draw on sports, tradition to help kids in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation

A southwestern Manitoba First Nation man who graduated this week from a program focused on mental wellness says he hopes to meld Indigenous and Western perspectives to help youth in his community — something a band councillor says will be essential in helping shape the future of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.

New grad Thomas Rosmus, a Sioux Valley Dakota Nation member, plans to combine his education with his passion for sports and traditional teachings to support youth in his community.

"I think our youth is our future, so I would like to help any way I could," Rosmus said. "I'm traditional myself, but the sports way ... I'm that guy [too].

"That's a good path … I think, for myself to help [young people]."

Rosmus, who now has a diploma in mental wellness and harm reduction, was part of a class that graduated Thursday from LINKS — or Linking Integrated Networks of Knowledge Systems — a private vocational institute in Brandon that offers online programs focused on health, social and community services.

Rosmus is already working in Brandon as a support worker with Sioux Valley's Dakota Tiwahe Services — a child and family services agency that works with Sioux Valley members on and off reserve. 

Dakota Tiwahe Services executive director Carol McKay-Whitecloud says having Sioux Valley members like Rosmus working with others from the community is critical, because they can relate to clients' experiences and culture while also drawing on their post-secondary education.

"The value system, that code of people's lives, is unique to Dakota people," McKay-Whitecloud said. "I think it's effective to have Dakota people providing the services."

Dakota Tiwahe Services focuses on both Indigenous and Western approaches to healing.