Departments

Describe your school-aged self.

I was shy but I had an outgoing nature. My parents died when I was eight years old [see sidebar], so I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere until I was a teenager.

Which teacher did you most admire?

Mr. Nichols, my Grade 6 teacher. He allowed me to read my comic books and nicknamed me Archie because of it. This showed me that someone cared about my hobby, and it didn’t disturb the process of my learning — he immediately had my attention because I was thinking, “Wow, I can do this? Awesome — you’re cool!”

Favourite part of your school day?

Recess. The field was a nice place to not be caught up in the anguish of losing my father and mother.

Cover of 1982

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What book had a big impact on you?

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse initiated my personal growth into identifying with what it is to be First Nations.

Name one high school takeaway.

I really appreciated that the guidance counsellor was always available. I could sit and talk about any of my issues — school, friends, life or the loss of my parents. I always knew that I had the opportunity to see someone.

No child, no human, should ever lack the hope of living life. That’s the idea behind the Adam Beach Foundation. I want to bring options to the suicide problem that exists in many of our Native communities. Isolation and the lack of identity are infecting a lot of the young adults. I want to show them that they have a choice, by creating an economic platform, sharing ideas about health and wellness, building a gym, a school, a hockey rink.

What was your favourite subject?

I loved science. It was about trying new things and seeing how they work. Then there were those little intricate things that you never got to do in your regular life, like dissecting a pig.

Most embarrassing moment?

I was trying to impress a girl in elementary school. I jumped for the monkey bars, slipped and broke my arm.

If you were a teacher, what would you teach?

Acting. In high school, it allowed me to interact with students who I wouldn’t necessarily relate to in other environments. For example, I’d have to communicate with the bully, talk to the nerdy guy and listen to the girl who’d tell me how I should be doing things. It forced me to become part of a larger group and it inspired what I’m doing now at the Adam Beach Film Institute.

NAME: Adam Beach