PAGC Fine Arts Festival celebrates 32nd birthday [Video]

“I think it’s just their expressions and their attitudes,” she explained. “It seems like kids are different when they’re here. I’ve had teenagers, so I know what teenagers are like and they’re all so well-behaved here.”

Through a variety of activities such as art, theatre, and dancing the youth get the opportunity to see life outside their home reserves and meet new people.

“I really don’t get a lot of feedback from the kids, but when I run into them when they’re older, I look at them and say, you remember me? I remember you. And that’s probably one of the things they remember a lot about their experience,” Tretiak said.

Wahpeton Dakota Nation Chief John Waditaka noted many of the kids that came to the festival go on to bigger and better things, such as university or some form of advanced education.

“And some then come back to lead …