14 Year Old Philanthropist To Bring Key-Note at Global Dignity Day Canada 2012

Oct. 9, 2012 - PRLog -- 14 year old philanthropist, Wes Prankard has been selected by Global Dignity as a national role model and the key note speaker at Global Dignity Day 2012.

Wes leads a movement called "NorthernStarfish", with the goal of bringing equity between First Nations and non-aboriginal children and youth in the areas of health, education and play. His goal is to build a playground in every northern community that doesn't have one, with the first being built in Attawapiskat First Nation last summer.

At a brief impromptu speech at this year's National General Assembly of First Nations, Wes stated “What I’ve been doing for the past three years is not charity, It’s justice. It’s making something right that should have been done.”

On October 17th, role models from across the country – including parents, educators, athletes, Senators, former and current Members of Parliament as well as international business and thought leaders – join thousands of volunteers to make the day possible. In Canada, role models will speak with youth across the country from Nunavut to British Columbia. Their aim is to instill a new, positive, inclusive and interconnected sense of value in young people that will guide them as they grow. Alongside Wes, some of Canada’s National Role Models this year include Niki Ashton, Member of Parliament, Churchill, Manitoba; Jeffrey Copenace, Chair, Indigenous Outreach, Global Dignity Canada; Jennifer Corriero, Co-Founder and Executive Director of TakingITGlobal, Ryan Hreljac, Founder, Ryan’s Well; Curtis Konek, Member of the Nanisiniq Arviat History Project; The Honourable Senator Yonah Martin; and Justin Trudeau, Member of Parliament, Papineau

About Northern Starfish

Playgrounds are a way for kids to be kids but most northern communities do not have playgrounds. My mission is to build a playground in every northern community in Canada that doesn’t have one! We will start with James Bay and when that is done – we will look for other communities that need a playground and build one there too! I can’t do my mission alone – I need all my friends and family to help me along my journey, voting, supporting, donating and using your voice to raise awareness. Together – we can give hope back to First Nations children! To learn more, please visit:
http://www.northernstarfish.org

About Global Dignity

Global Dignity is an independent, non-­‐profit, non-­‐political organization focused on empowering people with dignity. Established in 2006 by Young Global Leaders HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant and Professor Pekka Himanen, the initiative inspires respect, self-­‐esteem and tolerance of diversity and promotes the idea that every human being has the universal right to lead a dignified life. Global Dignity has developed a course on dignity, including five dignity principles, which is taught in schools around the world on October 20th – Global Dignity Day. In 2011, over 100,000 students in more than 40 countries will participate in Global Dignity Day. To join the movement or learn more, please visit: www.globaldignity.org.