Grand Council Treaty #3 recently held a youth gathering themed “Revitalizing Our Culture” that coincided with the Basaagwiiitita Indian Residential School Survivors Gathering. At part of this gathering, the youth met with the Treaty area Elders and developed ideas in the area of Revitalizing Our Culture through Youth and Elder partnerships. Additionally the youth discussed and deliberated about continuing the formation of the Treaty #3 Youth Council and seek support from the leadership and communities across Treaty #3. The main ideas of action that were discussed are:
In Grand Council Treaty #3’s commitment to youth engagement, and also in recognition of the United Nations International Year of the Youth, a youth gathering was held for the purposes of having the Treaty #3 youth develop a work plan that involved the Treaty #3 Youth Council and the elders. During this gathering the youth met with Mark Breen of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to discuss the future activities of the Treaty #3 youth and its council.
As indicated through previous consultations with Treaty #3 youth, there was a need to bridge the gap between youth and elders and to ensure that the nation moves towards the path of identity recognition and celebration amongst our young leaders. An appropriate way to accommodate this was to plan a Cultural Camp in the Treaty #3 area for the youth and elders to learn from each other in the hopes that the nation has proud leaders who are knowledgeable of the traditional practices of the nation. This will also ensure that an ongoing partnership is formed between the youth and Elders of Treaty #3.
As the Treaty #3 youth continue to empower themselves, there will be whereby ongoing gatherings where the Treaty #3 youth will seek to implement their plans. Should you have any questions you may contact the Grand Council Treaty #3 office.