NAN Decade for Youth Update

Change is in the air for the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Decade for Youth Council. As we work through changes in staffing, leadership, and even our name, we look toward the future committed to empowering the young people of NAN territory.

In July of this year I was hired as the Acting NAN Decade for Youth Coordinator. As a youth council member I was up to speed on our initiatives and hit the ground running! I’m proud to say we hosted a very successful “Train-the-Trainers” conference in Thunder Bay during the last week of July. Ten NAN First Nation communities were represented for the “Girl Power/Wolf Spirit” program.

In August we were pleased to welcome Youth Council members to the XXVIII Keewaywin Chiefs Assembly which was particularly exciting because this was an election year. Our Youth Council members saw firsthand, the election of Grand Chief Stan Beardy and Deputy Grand Chiefs Terry Waboose, Les Louttit, and Mike Metatawabin.

Throughout the fall we are making the Youth Trust Fund a priority. The NAN Youth Trust Fund was established in October 2004 following NAN Chiefs Resolution 03/39, supporting the Youth Council’s application to establish a non-profit charitable corporation. Some funds have been raised since, but we have not yet reached our goal. We look forward to continued input and advice to ensure this fund moves ahead.

Lastly, we are in the planning stages for our fifth annual Seven Sacred Teachings gathering taking place in Thunder Bay January 25 – 29, 2010. So, mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more details in the upcoming months.

As we look toward the new year (and decade), the NAN Youth Council is looking for a new name.

Our deadline for submissions was set for October 30, 2009, so please watch for an announcement as to the renaming of the NAN Decade for Youth Council.

On behalf of the Decade for Youth office and Youth Council, I wish you a safe and happy fall season!

Jason Smallboy is the A/NAN Decade for Youth Coordinator.