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Métis youth speak about issues that matter

Article Origin

Author

By Sam Laskaris Sweetgrass Writer NORDEGG

Volume

19

Issue

1

Year

2011

Youth do indeed have a voice.

This was once again proven during the fifth annual forum run by the Métis Settlements Youth Network Society.
 The three-day forum was held in early November at Camp Goldeye, near Nordegg, with about 115 youth and 35 adult mentors attending.

Joy Ohashi, one of the adult mentors, said the youth themselves are the ones that decide what topics will be discussed at each year’s forum.

The three issues that were focussed on this year were family violence, drinking and driving, and youth suicide.
“When kids say these issues are important to us, these issues are important,” said Ohashi, who is the manager of strategic initiatives for the Métis Settlement Child and Family Services Authority. “In essence, they decide what they need to talk about.”

As it was held early in November, the forum, targeting youth aged 14-21, also served as a launch event for the annual Family Violence and Bullying Prevention month.
“Family violence in Alberta is one of the leading causes of family interventions,” Ohashi added.

Those that attended the Goldeye forum participated in a moment of silence to recognize those who are currently involved with a family violence issue.

TAPWE Warriors, trained youth facilitators from the Métis settlements in the province, led the three sessions at the forum.

Ohashi believes it is important to stage youth forums as it can prove to be beneficial.

“If we raise strong kids, they will be strong leaders,” she said.

The MSYNS is made up of youth representatives from the eight Métis settlements in Alberta:  Buffalo Lake, East Prairie, Elizabeth, Fishing Lake, Gift Lake, Kikino, Paddle Prairie and Peavine.

The society also includes some adult mentors.
Though the MSYNS has been holding forums for five years now it was in 2009 when it officially received society status in Alberta. This proclamation was significant as it enabled the society to fundraise to support its activities.

Each year the MSYNS also invites representatives from one Aboriginal community to its forum. This year 10 youth representatives from the Sucker Creek First Nation were among those who attended.

Besides discussing their three main issues, those at the forum also took part in several other activities.

For example, they were divided into groups and did various team building exercises. A Saturday evening dance was also held.

Also, the forum had a closing ceremony. At that event 10 individuals were honoured for their contributions at the camp. They were recognized for qualities such as adaptability, kindness, sportsmanship and leadership.

MSYNS members are active throughout the year, helping in a variety of ways, including during the recent Slave Lake fires.

“What wasn’t recorded was that next to Slave Lake one of the communities (Gift Lake) was evacuated,” Ohashi said. “But men and members of the society stayed behind (to help fight the fires). What was remarkable was the resilience of the kids.”

Up next for members of the MSYNS is a community dialogue, which will be held Dec. 13-14 in Edmonton.