September 17, 2002

Next Dakota Fatherhood Summit Set for Oct. 10 and 11

The public, community professionals and policy makers are invited to attend the second Dakota Fatherhood Summit, Oct. 10 and 11, in Pierre, S.D. Presented by the Dakota Fatherhood Initiative, this summit is for anyone interested in strengthening family life and being involved as a positive role model for children.

The joint two-day conference between North and South Dakota will feature Leonard Little Finger as keynote speaker. He is a teacher from Oglala, S.D. and will discuss "Understanding American Indian Fathers." Other featured speakers include Mike Rounds, Republican candidate for Governor in S.D.; Mike Wilson, Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor in S.D.; Chris Brown and Charles Stewart of the National Fatherhood Initiative; Scott Gardner, South Dakota State University; Sean Brotherson, North Dakota State University Extension Service; and others.

The conference will also include breakout sessions, a networking lunch, and panel discussions on working with fathers in legal and faith-based settings. A panel of Native American fathers will also lead a discussion session.

"The summit is intended to bring together interested persons from across the Dakotas who are willing to engage the issue of fatherhood and what might be done to facilitate the healthy involvement of fathers in family life," according to Brotherson. "Invited to participate are parents, educators, counselors, legislators, social workers, health care workers, clergy, attorneys, judges, mental health professionals, extension agents, and any others who may be interested. It’s a chance for fathers and mothers, as well as community members and professionals who work with family issues, to learn what community resources are available to assist them and to network with others."

The conference will be held at the Kings Inn Motel in Pierre. To register, call (605) 773-4640 or visit http://dfi.sdstate.org. The registration fee is $25 before Sept. 19 or $30 after. The conference begins at 1 p.m. on Oct. 10 and concludes at 5 p.m. on Oct. 11.

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Source: Sean Brotherson, NDSU Extension Service (701) 231-6143 and sbrother@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, rmattern@ndsuext.nodak.edu