Our goal is to empower First Nations youth to flourish in their communities. We recognize that to achieve this, the development of wellness in multiple domains is necessary. We operate on four main objectives that highlight key areas of wellness required for the empowerment of youth.
Building For the FutureFacilitating Economic Development and Good Governance
Our goal is to work together with First Nations communities to provide youth with the resources and confidence to contribute to the positive development of their own futures and communities. In order to do this, appropriate and effective social structures, opportunities, and policies that support youths’ aspirations need to be in place. And these policies and plans need to be acted on. By empowering youth to close the gaps and take action, they have the opportunity to be true leaders. |
Empowering the Next Generation Of YouthEncouraging Youth Empowerment and Wellness
Empowering youth means fostering hope, a sense of purpose, belonging, and meaning. We will do this through activities that build social connections among youth, strengthen mentoring and leadership skills, provide them with the knowledge and skills to contribute, and engage them as active decision-makers in their own futures. |
Ways of KnowingPrivileging Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being
Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding are a source of strength within communities, and this knowledge must be respected in any effort to build a prosperous future for First nations youth. We will ensure that youth have a voice in shaping their own cultural identity by both reclaiming and reshaping traditional teachings, language, connecting to the land, and connecting to each other in ways that serve them best.
|
Fostering Community ResilienceBuilding Resilience and Supportive Relationships Within Communities
Building on community strengths and relationships ensures that resilience and supportive safety nets are in place so that youth can prevail in the face of adversity. This is vital as many communities continue to deal with the far-reaching intergenerational effects of residential schools and other collective trauma as a result of colonization. At the same time, communities have persisted because of deep-rooted strengths, including the importance of family, the land, relationships, and spirituality. By highlighting such strengths, they can be mobilized to ensure that First Nations youth can flourish and pursue their dreams. |
