Meegwetch and Baamaapii

Boozhoo/Wachaye/Hello!

This will be my last issuewith SEVEN Youth Magazine.

I am going back to College to complete my graphic design diploma. I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing, talented, passionate people here at Wawatay since I first started back in 2002.

Some of you may know that I have wanted to work here since I was nine years old and hadthe dream of starting a youth magazine geared towards Nishnawbe youth when I was about 13 years old. It’s amazing that from one conversation about the Seventh Generation and how it will be the generation to change things for the better of our people and a simple doodle, which is now the brand for SEVEN, to now, publishing the first glossy version of SEVEN. I wanted this magazine to cover anything that mattered to Nish youth and all the obstacles they have to face and conquer   on a daily basis, along with their successes.

There are so many inspirational stories from theyouth out there, that I can’t see SEVEN running out of content. When I first got word that Wawatay was going to have the opportunity to do SEVEN,talk about it in meetings and start planning,my first initial thought was “no way.” But when it was becoming a part of meeting agenda’s I hadto hide my instinct to grab the person beside me and yell “WE’RE TALKING ABOUT MY DREAM!!!!!!”But I never did... lol. Maybe I should have.

Now SEVEN Youth Media Network has a magazine, interactive website, and youth radio show.

We have accomplished so much over the past two years. I honestly thought it would take longer but knew deep down I could get it done with a lot of work and dedication, no matter what anyone said.

Now that it’s official I’m going back to school to a) finish what I started and b) show my daughter Grace-Lin how important it is to get your educationand that its never to late to go after yourdreams and goals.

I had a tug of war with myself about leaving,should I stay or move on? The truth is, it was extremely difficult. Just the thought of not having Wawatay/SEVEN as a huge part of my life is kindof scary, but refreshing. I never saw myself as staying with SEVEN forever. I wanted to start itand hand it off to youth who would and will do so many different things with it. The possibilities are endless.

All the things I have learned along the way andthe many experiences I have been given such as newspaper production, ad layouts for Sagatay,other print service jobs, while doing all these things at the same time, has taught me that I am capable of handling stressful situations. And that I really do love being a graphic designer.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading SEVEN these past two years as much as I have loved working on it and the stories the youth have shared have made an impact on you or someone you know.

I encourage all of you to send in a story, art or submit something on the website, or maybe a concept for a youth radio topic. There are many ways you can put your touch on SEVEN.

Meegwetch and Baamaapii
Grace Winter