CarriersofYouthWisdom

Zevis17yearsold,Metis,borninSquamish,andcurrentlylivinginPowellRiver,BritishColumbia.ZevisinGrade11atBrooksSecondarySchoolandenjoystrackandfield,mountainbiking,hiking,travelling,andoutdoorphotography.HeistheMetisyouthrepresentativeforhislocalcommunity,andenjoysmeetingotherMetisyouth,sharingstories,andlearningtraditionalskills.ZevisinterestedinIndigenouseducationfromtheperspectiveofincreasingtheawarenessofMetiscultureamongthestudentpopulationandopportunitiesforculturalactivitiesforyouth.

Tyrais17yearsold,amemberofAbegweitFirstNation,andcurrentlylivinginScotchfort,PrinceEdwardIsland.Tyraisdescribedasfriendly,funny,andquiet.Sheisaprettygoodproblemsolverwhensheneedstobe,andisabletotakeonresponsibilitiesandhelpoutothers.TheNationalDayofHealingandReconciliationwasimportanttoTyrabecauseitrepresentedopportunitiesforfutureeducationthatherfamilywasneverabletotakeadvantageofinthepast.AlthoughTyramayappeartobeaveryshyperson,sheisreallyahappyperson,withabubblypersonality,andpeoplefeelliketheycantalktoheraboutanything.

Tiffanyis20yearsold,amemberofSt.Mary’sFirstNation,andfromFredericton,NewBrunswick.Tiffanyhaslivedoffreserveherentirelife.SheistakingaBachelorofScienceHonorsinChemistrydegreeatSt.FrancisXavierUniversity.TiffanyisinvolvedintheSt.Mary'sYouthLeadershipEnrichmentProgram(SMYLE),andisamentor,motivator,androlemodeltoyouthinthecommunity.

TiffanywonanawardforhighestFirstNationgraduateGPA.Sheisagoodlistenerandthinker,andisinterestedinpeople,spirituality,connectednessandconstantgrowth.TiffanyplanstotravelacrossCanadathissummer.

Teagynis20years,amemberofKwanlinDunFirstNation,andcurrentlylivinginWhitehorse,YukonTerritory.TeagynbelongstotheCrowClan,andhertraditionalnameisAatagweix’i.Sheisdescribedashumourous,caring,andcute.TeagyncanspeakbothFrenchandEnglish,andalsoafewwordsinhertraditionallanguage,SouthernTutchone.Teagyniscurrentlyinvolvedinbuildingayouthworkshoptofacilitatewithotheryouthonthetopicoflateralviolenceinourcommunities.ShehasexperienceworkingwithIndigenousyouthandinheritageandculturalevents.TeagynisinterestedinincreasingawarenessaboutthechallengesyouthinNortherncommunitiesfacewhenitcomestoeducation.ShecurrentlyworksintheConstituencyOfficeforTheHonourableLarryBagnell,MemberofParliamentfortheYukon.

Tanneris16yearsoldandamemberofLennoxIslandFirstNation,PrinceEdwardIsland,whichiswherehecurrentlylives.Tannerisdescribedastalented,funny,andagreatguy.HeisaGrade10studentatWestisleCompositeHighSchool.TannerfeelsthereshouldbemoreIndigenousculturaltraininginschools.Hedoeswellinschoolandhashopesofhavingamusiccareersomeday.Tannerlovesmusicandwritinglyrics,rap,andrecordingmusic.Tanneralsolovestomeetnewpeople.Heenjoyslisteningtopeopleandhelpingthemwithanyproblemstheymayhave.

Reenais16yearsold,FirstNation,andcurrentlylivinginFortQu’Appelle,Saskatchewan.SheisinGrade10andattendingasmalltownschool.Sheliveswithherdad,asingleparentwhoworksreallyhardtoenablehiskidstodothingslikeplaysports,hangoutwithfriends,andmakesuretheyarealwaysinasafeenvironment.Reenalikestowrite,andanarticleshewroteaboutFirstNationsandtheenvironmentisbeingpublishedinamagazinelaterthisyear.Reenaispassionateaboutaddressingracismandstandingupforherpeopleandcultureandusesthestrengthshehasdevelopedthroughherlifeexperiencestohelpthemunderstandtheimpactsofracism.

Sarahis19yearsold,amemberofFlyingDustFirstNation,andcurrentlylivinginMeadowLake,Saskatchewan.Sarahwillbeattendingpost-secondaryinthefalltostudyAddictionsCounsellingandthenJusticeStudies.Sheisveryengagedinhercommunitywithyouthandhealth,andvolunteersatdifferenteventsheldthrough-outtheyear.Someofherinterestsaredrawingandtravelling.Sheisalsoveryinvolvedwithhercultureandenjoysdancingjingleatpowwowsthrough-outthesummer.Asayoungchild,SarahremembersFlyingDustheldtheFirstNationSummerGamesandherclasssangOCanadainCreebeforethecrowd.Asasmallchild,shewasamazedthattheywereonstagesingingtohundredsofpeople.Herlifeexperienceshaveshapedwhosheistoday,andSarahhasapassionforhelpingothersandlotsofworkexperienceindifferentfields.Shehasanhonestreputationandanearforlistening,andbelieveseachyouthshouldbeencouragedtofollowtheirdreamstoachievetheirgoalswhatevertheymaybe.

Ryanis20yearsold,amemberofEelGroundFirstNation,andcurrentlylivinginMiramichi,NewBrunswick.RyanattendedNatoaganegSchoolfromGradesK4to8,thenwenttothreedifferenthighschools.HeisnowinhissecondyearofcollegeatNBCCMiramichiandcurrentlytakinghispracticumatthesameschoolhewenttoasachild.Ryan’spassioniscommunity,andheplanstoworkintheeducationsysteminhishomecommunity.ThisJuneRyanwillbeacertifiedYouthCareWorker,andhasacquiredfurtherskills,strengths,andsocialskillsthroughthiscoursesuchassharing,talkingtopeopleandbuildingafoundation.HehopestogobacktouniversitytoacquirehisBachelorofEducationandsomedayteachattheschool.Ryanhasbeencalledarolemodelbyeducatorswhoareproudtoseeaformerstudentcomebackasastaffmember.Theysayitshowsthechildrenandyouththatthereareopportunitiesandeducationoutsideofthereserveandthattheycandoit.

Riveris17yearsold,FirstNation(CreeandSaulteaux)andMetis,andcurrentlylivinginAbbotsford,BritishColumbia.Riverisamemberofherschool’sAboriginalStudentCouncilwhichshegreatlyenjoysbeingapartof.SheloveslearningaboutdifferentAboriginalgroupsandtheirway

oflifebeforethesettlers,andhopestolearnmuchmoreaboutitinthefuture.Riveralsohasotherinterestsintheartsaswell,andlovesdrawing,dancing,andacting.Sheisveryoptimisticandisalwayslookingfornewfriendsandexcitingexperiences.LookforRivertocreateaplayfulauraatthisgathering!

Phoenixis16yearsoldandamemberoftheBloodTribe/KainaiFirstNation,nearStandoff,Alberta.Phoenix’scommunityispartoftheBlackfootConfederacy.HistraditionalnameisGrizzlyBearBoy.HewasGrade9classvaledictorianin2015andhasreceivednumerousacademicawards,bothlocalandprovincial.Hiscareergoalistobecomeadoctoranditissomethinghehasdreamedofbecomingsincechildhood.PhoenixwantstostartanorganizationdedicatedtoprovidinghighqualitycaretoFirstNations.Hisotherinterestsincludedirtbiking,paintballing,golfing,hunting,andknowinghistraditionsandculture,especiallyrelatedtotraditionalhealing.

Meganis17yearsold,Inuit,andcurrentlylivinginNain,Nunatsiavut(NewfoundlandandLabrador).MegancomesfromasmallcommunityonthenorthcoastofLabrador.Sheisadriven,academichighschoolstudentwholovestheoutdoorsandspendingtimewithfamilyandfriends.MeganisinvolvedwithaDramaTroupethatincludesInuitmyths,legends,oldstoriesandfolklore.SheappreciateshavingtheabilitytolearnmoreaboutherInuitcultureandbeingabletosharewhatshecanwithothers.Meganconsidersherselftobeoutspoken,especiallywhentheconversationisaboutsomethingsheispassionateabout.Sheattendedlastyear'sStudentsonIceArcticExpeditionandbecauseofthatexperiencefeelsmorecomfortabletalkingtoothers.

Chantelis18yearsold,fromWe'koqma'qFirstNation,Whycocomagh,NovaScotia.ChantelisisaGrade12studentattendingDalbraeAcademyinMabou,currentlyinherfifthyearoftheRoyalCanadianAirCadetProgram,andavolunteerinvariousprogramsinandoutofhercommunity.Sheisacademicallydrivenandhasbeengrantednumerousawardsandscholarships.ChantelisalicensedGliderPilotandworkingtowardsherPrivatePilotlicense.Shehasbeenacceptedtoallfouruniversitiesshe

appliedto,andhasbeenofferedseveralscholarships.Shehasbeendescribedasindependent,determined,andhardworking.

Logenis17yearsoldandamemberofLennoxIslandFirstNation,fromPrinceEdwardIsland.Logenisdescribedastalented,funny,andtraditional.HeiscurrentlyinGrade12atWestisleCompositeHighSchoolandwasrecentlyacceptedtoHollandCollegeintheCarpentryprogram.HelovesmusicandhisMi'Kmaqcultureandjumpsatanyopportunitytobecomeinvolvedinboth.Heislearningrecordingartsasanengineer,andplaysguitarwheneverhegetsthechance.Logenisanactivedrummakerandparticipatesintheartofbeadingandregaliamakingwheneverpossible.HeactivelyparticipatesinaDrumGroupcalled“HeyCuzzin's”whoperformatvariouspowwows.

Lanceis18yearsold,andmemberofPeguisFirstNationfromTreaty#1Territory,currentlylivinginWinnipeg,Manitoba.Lanceliveswithhisfamilyandiscurrentlyseekingtofinishhiseducation.HisgoalistobecomeapoliceofficerfortheCityofWinnipeg.LancespendsalotofhisfreetimevolunteeringatthecommunitybasedorganizationMaMawiWiChiItataInc.Herehedevelopedaverygoodunderstandingofworkingwithyouthandfamilies.Lancehasalwaysbelievedthateducationplaysaveryvitalroleinthedevelopmentofmanyfactorsinone’slife,includingsocio-economicstatus,afeelingofpersonalaccomplishmentandforfindingmeaningfulemploymentintoday’ssociety.HeverymuchenjoyslearningaboutAboriginalCultureandhistoryandenjoysbeingandworkingaroundyouthwithinhiscommunity.

Kawiis18yearsoldandKanienkehaka(FirstNation,Mohawk)fromKanehsatakeandKahnawake,Quebec.Kawi’snameisKawisaienhneandsheisasinger.Shelovestosingbothherpeople’straditionalsongs,andpopsongs.Hercultureisveryimportantandcrucialtoher,andtoherpeople.Kawiisinherlastyearofhighschool,andisveryexcitedthatshehasbeenacceptedtoVanierCollege,asithasbeenoneofhermajoraccomplishments.Schoolwasachallenge,butshehaslearnedtheimportanceofeducationandwantstomakeherfamilyproud.Shewantstohaveanamazingjob,andbejustlikehergrandmother,andshedoesn’twanttoforgetaboutherpeople.KawiwantstochallengestereotypesandhelpopenthemindsofothersandisconsideringbecomingaSpeechPathologistorHumanRightsLawyer.Herdreamistohelpherpeople,andfeelseitherofthesecareerswouldhelpaccomplishthatdream.

Karleeis19yearsold,andamemberofEskasoniFirstNation,nearSydney,NovaScotia.Karleeisdescribedasambitious,enthusiastic,andrespectful.Shewasacceptedintoacompetitiveprogramfromhighschoolcalled"BachelorofScienceinMedicalSciences"atDalhousieUniversityandwillbeginherthirdyearinSeptember.KarleeisafluentMi'kmaqspeakerandhasalwaysworkedtowardsachievingherlifetimegoalofbecomingaMi’kmaqspeakingdoctorsothatshecanhelphercommunitymembersgetthehealthcarethattheydeserve.Sheisanactivevolunteerinhercommunityduringthesummermonthswhensheishomefromschool,andanactivevolunteerattheRonaldMcDonaldhouseduringtheschoolyear.AsanIndigenousyouth,ahighlightofhereducationexperiencewasbeingabletospeaktotheChiefsatthe

annualAssemblyofFirstNationsAssemblyinOttawawhileinGrade10.ShesharedwiththemherexperienceswithMi’kmaqImmersionandhowitshapedhertobecomethepersonsheistoday.Karleefeelsthatasanimmersiongraduate,itisherresponsibilitytoteachothersaboutthelanguageiftheyarewillingtolearn.

Kalolinis16yearsold,andamemberofEskasoniFirstNation,nearSydney,NovaScotia.KalolinisinGrade11andattendingAllisonBernardMemorialHighSchoolinEskasoni.SheisthemainperformerfeaturedinTheGentleWarriorproject,initiatedbyherhighschool.ThisprojectwasbasedontheworkofRitaJoe,aMi'kmaqpoetwhoexpressedherexperiencesofresidentialschoolsthroughpoetry,toeducateandcreateawareness.ItwasperformedinOttawafortheNationalArtsCentre,alongwithotherFirstNationsschoolsinCanada,andallowedotherstoseetheIndigenousperspectiveofhowresidentialschoolsimpactedindividualsandfamilies.KalolinisaMi’kmaqspeaker,andhashadschoolingexperiencesbothonandoffreserve.ShebelievesinculturalawarenessandthatbeingMi'kmaqdoesnotmakeherintelligenceanydifferentfromthoseofdifferentraces.SheisinterestedinIndigenouseducationbecausesheknowstheyouthhavethepotentialandcapabilityofdoinganythingtheysettheirmindsto.

Kalliis17yearsoldandamemberoftheBloodTribe/KainaiFirstNation,nearStandoff,Alberta.KalliisinGrade12atCardstonHighSchool.InthefallshewillbeattendingtheUniversityofLethbridgemajoringinPsychologyandminoringinNativeAmericanStudies.Shevolunteersinhercommunity,playshockeyandtrackandfieldevents,andjingledressdancesatpowwows.KalliisalongstandingHonourRollrecipient,andiscurrentlyintherunningtoreceivetheBlackfootLanguage30SeniorAward.SheisastrongadvocateforincorporatingFirstNations/Metis/InuitstoriesintotheSocialStudiescurriculumandforreflectingontheimpactofhistoricaleventsandlifeexperiencesonhergeneration.

Kaitlynis19yearsold,FirstNationoriginallyfromRockyMountainHouse,currentlylivinginCranbrook,BritishColumbia.KaitlynmovedfromAlbertatoKtunaxaTerritory(Cranbrook)whenshewas4yearsold.Onceshereachedhighschoolshedroppedoutofthepublicschooltoattendthealternateschool.Shefeltcomfortablethereandstartedlearningandpracticingculture.Thisiswhenshereallystartedtoloveschoolandstartedtovalueherselfmore.ShechairedtheWildWarriorswhichwasinvolvedinmanycommunitycelebrationsandculturalactivities,whereKaitlyndevelopedaloveforsinging,drumminganddancing.ShehelpedtodevelopanAboriginalEducationplanforstudents,andhasbecomeamentorandfacilitator.Throughherelifeexperiencesshehasbecomeanadvocateforcultureandpursuingpost-secondary.Sheislearningwhatitmeanstobehumbleand

ofservicetootherswhilelearningaboutthepoliciesandpoliticsofeducationalinstitutions.

Julianneis19yearsoldandisamemberofKitiganZibiFirstNation,nearManiwaki,Quebec.JulianneisaproudFirstNationswomanwhoattendedKitiganZibiKikinamadinanfromGrade1toGrade11.Hercommunityreallycaresabouttheyouthandeducationandshesaysshewouldnotbethepersonsheistodayifshehadnotattendedherlocalschool,orgrownupinherbeautifulNation.ShenowattendsCEGEPHeritageCollegeintheSocialSciencedepartmentandwillbegraduatingontheDean'sListthisyear.ShecaresaboutIndigenouseducationbecauseshefeelsouryouthhavesomuchtogiveandcontributetothisworldandbelievesthateducationhealsanation.Juliannewantstotellherstoryinhopesitcanhelpthefuturegenerationstocome.

Joshis17yearsold,Metis,andcurrentlylivinginAbbotsford,BC.JoshisveryproudofhisMetisheritageandisacitizenoftheMetisNationBC.Hisfather'ssideofthefamilyisMetisfromtheRedRiverandhelearnedalotabouthisMetisfamilyfromhim.HealwaystookJoshouthuntingandtaughthimabouthiscacheandaboutwildberries.JoshbecameinterestedinAboriginalissuesandculturewhenhewasinGrade9andstartedparticipatinginculturaleventsandfieldtripsthroughtheAboriginalProgramatschool.ThishelpedJoshbecomemoreawareofhishistoryalthoughhestillhasmuchtolearn.JoshisamemberoftheMouatAboriginalStudentCouncilandhelpsfacilitateweeklymeetingsandmonthlyculturalevents.Heisalsoveryinvolvedwithphysicalfitnessandiskeenlyinterestedinhavinganactiveandhealthylifestyle.

Jadeis16yearsold,amemberofAbegweitFirstNation,andcurrentlylivinginScotchfort,PrinceEdwardIsland.Jadeisdescribedasadventurous,independent,anddetermined.SheisanacademicMi’kmaqstudentwhosemainprioritiesareschoolandculture.Sheisinterestedinmanythings,includingpolitics,art(music,drawing/sketching,photography,etc.),reading,andtravelling.JadehaslivedbothonandoffreserveandhastravelledalottodifferentFirstNationcommunitiesand

throughoutCanadaandtheUnitedStates.Jadehasbeenveryinvolvedinsocialjusticeissueswithhermother;theyarenowintheprocessofbuildingtheirEarthship–otherwiseknownasaneco-friendly,sustainablehome.Jade’sskillsincludevoicingheropinion,socialskills,art,andisaquicklearnerandfeelssheiswellinformedaboutthehistoryandcultureoftheMi'kmaqtradition,andleadershipskills.

Hunteris19years,fromSixNationsoftheGrandRiver,currentlylivinginKingston,Ontario.HunterisCayuga,andveryinterestedinIndigenouseducation.Hefeelsthatthecurrentsystemisbroken,biased,andblind,andthatcombinedwiththesocietalstigmaofbeingIndigenous,itcreatestheperfectstormforhardshipandfailure.Huntersays,“Weneedachange,andwewillhavechange.”Becauseofthechallengeshehasenduredwithedcuation,hewantstobeapartofthatchangeinanywaypossible.Heisverymindfulaboutwhathesays,yetatthesametimehespeakswhat'sonhismind.Hunternotesthathisopinionsandexperiencesareinformedbyhisentireadventurethroughtheschoolandhealthsystem,fromtherockbottomtorisingagain,andovercomingvarioussignificanthealthandeducationchallenges.HunterisabouttoenrollinAdultEducationandAboriginalprogrammingatSecondChanceCommunityEducationCentre.

Gregis19yearsoldandamemberofKingsclearFirstNation,nearFredericton,NewBrunswick.GregisinhisthirdyearofChemicalEngineeringatUNBandemployed

duringthesummerbyDillonConsulting.GregisinterestedinIndigenouseducationbecausehebelieveseveryonehaspotentialandIndigenousstudentsshouldhavethesameopportunityasnon-Indigenouspeople.Hewantstofindwaystomotivateyouthanywayhecan,sothattheyseeopportunitiesinthebiggerworld.Hewantstoencouragethepursuitofpost-secondaryeducationaftersecondaryschoolinordertohelpourcommunitiesflourishandprosper.Gregwasvoted"RoleModel"inhisgraduatingyearinhighschoolbyhiscommunity,andvolunteeredhelpingFirstNationchildrenwithmath.Greg’sskillsincludewisdom,empathy,andbeingabletoseesituationsthroughmultipleangles.

Eveis20yearsold,FirstNation,currentlylivinginWinnipeg,Manitoba.Eveisamothertoa1yearoldbabygirlnamedCharokke.EvehasbeenworkingandvolunteeringintheinnercityofWinnipegsinceshewas14yearsold.Sheloveshelpingandworkingwiththeyouthandhelpingthemmakepositivelifechoices.Eve’sworkwiththecommunityhelpsherbeabetterpersonandsheisproudtorepresentMaMawiandManitobaasapositiveyouthrolemodel.Eve’sskillsincludeherlivedexperiencesandknowledgeofmanyyouthissues,andheropennessandwillingnesstocommunicateandmakefriendsequally.Evefeelsstronglyaboutcombattingracismanddiscriminationandbelievesinequality.

Dionovanis19yearsold,andamemberoftheChippewasoftheThamesFirstNation,currentlylivinginLondon,Ontario.DionovanisOjibweandpartoftheTurtleclan.He

isinhislastyearofhighschoolandwillbepursuinghispassionforfootballinSeptemberatUofGuelph.Dionovanishardworking,athletic,andmaintainsgoodgrades.Heisalsobilingual.Helovespublicspeaking,engagingwithothersfromallbackgrounds,andhelpingmentoryoungerkids,includinghisfosterbrother.Hehasworkedhardtobuildhisstrengthphysically,mentallyandspiritually.DionovanisinterestedinIndigenouseducationbecausecultureisimportant.Hesays,“Weshouldallfollowourdreamsandliveafulllife-that'sbeingrespectfultoourancestors.”

Cheyenneis20yearsold,FirstNation,currentlylivinginSaskatoon,Saskatchewan.CheyenneisaPlainsCreewoman,anartist,amusician,ayogatrainer,apoet,adancer,arunner,askateboarder,amodel,areader,awriter,andaperformer.Shewasevena"humanbook"ata"humanlibrary"event.Shelovestobeonstageandenjoyspublicspeaking.Thisincludesspeakingoutaboutsocialandenvironmentalinjusticeandsharingfamilystoriesabouthowinter-generationalimpactshaveaffectedyouthslivesandeducationaljourneys.Cheyenneisverypassionateaboutfindingbalancewithinallaspectsoflifesuchasspiritual,emotional,physical,andmentalwellness,andlovestoinspireotheryouthtodothesame.

Cocois16yearsold,FirstNation,andcurrentlylivingYellowknife,NorthwestTerritories.Coco’straditionalnameisCaona-Et'aNeo.ItcomesfromherChipewyanandHaitianroots.CocoisinGrade11,andisinterestedinhistoryandsciences/math.Shehasbeendancingfor8to9yearsandfindsittobethehighlightofherday.Sheisveryindependentbutenjoysinteractingwithpeopleandlearningnewthings.Cocoisaleaderinhernortherncommunity,andcomesfromalineofleaders.Shespendstimewithelderstolearnandgrow,recognizingthatbeingaleaderisoftenherbest,buthardestoption.Cocobelievesthatitisimportanttoensurethateveryonehasaccesstoeducationandopportunities.Shespeakshermind,andstronglybelievesthatyouthneedtobeheard.Asaresilientanduniqueindividual,Coco

hasgrownupproudtospeakonsomethingsheispassionateabout.

Bradyis15yearsold,fromTyendinagaMohawkTerritory,nearShannonville,Ontario.Bradyisafootballplayerwithapassionforlearningandfeelsthereisvalueinalltypesoflearningopportunities-whetherthelearningcomesfromanelder,ateacher,afriendoracoach.

AsanIndigenousyouthattendingaCatholicschool,seeingthewayresidentialschoolsarebroughtupinconversationissometimesunsettlingforBrady.Notonlyareyoutharoundhisschooluneducatedonthetopic,butitbringsupamoredifficultpilltoswallow,forhim,knowinghisancestors’historyhasnearlybeenforgottenbyothers.Recentlyhisfamilystruggledwithsomefamilytrauma,andevenwiththeheartbreak,theyallmanagedtobestrongerthanthedaybefore.Withthatexperience,Bradybelievesthathehasanopportunitytoprovideateachingtoothersaboutperseverance,andaboutteachingothersthateveninthedarkestmomentsthere'salwaysalightattheendofthetunnel.

Aliceis15yearsold,amemberofVuntutGwitchinFirstNationinOldCrow,andcurrentlylivinginWhitehorse,YukonTerritory.Aliceisanhonoursstudentandathleteandisdescribedasoutgoing,sportsminded,healthyandgoaloriented.AlicerepresentshercommunityatmanysportingactivitiesoutsideoftheYukonatnationalandinternationallevels,includingtheYukonSelectSoccerU18team,paddling,runningmarathons,andtrainingfortheCanadaSummerGamesandNorthAmericaIndigenousGames(NAIG).Aliceisinvolvedincultureandrecentlyparticipatedinacomingofageceremony.Shealsoharvestedherfirstcaribouandlearnedtheritualsaroundthat,includinghowtotakecareoftheenvironment,harvestinginarespectfulway,andsharingandgivingawaytothosemoreinneed.AlicelivesahealthylifestyleandisproudofbeingIndigenous.Shehopestomakeadifferenceforotheryouthherageandforhercommunity.Herlife-longgoalisstudyingmedicine.

Alassuais14yearsold,Inuit,andcurrentlylivinginIqualuit,Nunavut.Alassuaisathroatsinger,drumdancer,andafiddle/violinplayer.ShebelongstotheInuksukDrumDancersgroup,theIqaluitFiddleClube,andisalsointhe795RoyalCanadianAirCadets.Alassualovestotravel,andhasbeenonexchangeswiththeDrumDancers,andhastraveledwiththeCadets.Alassuafeelslanguageandcultureisveryimportant,andwouldliketoseetheteachingofherlanguagebeingmandatoryinallcommunities.AskAlassuatoteachyouhowtothroatsingandhowtodrumdance!Shesaysshewantstoshowpeoplehow…

Jamesis16years,Metis,andiscurrentlylivinginYellowknife,NorthwestTerritories.JamesisofWoodlandCreedescentandidentifiesasMetisbecauseheisaproudancestorofLouisRiel.HisfamilyisfromHayRiver,NTandhisfatherisfromWinnipeg,MB.Jamesisanawesomefiddleranditisabigpartofhislife.Hisfathertaughthimtofiddlewhenhewassixyearsold,andwhenhewasnine,hewenttohisfirstcompetitionandwonfirstplace.HenowvolunteerswiththeKoleKrookFiddleSocietyandtheschoolstoinstructotheryouthtoplayfiddle,andtoplayforlocalMetisjiggers.FiddlingisimportanttoJamesbecauseitisimportanttocarryontheculturaltraditions.JamesisalsoakeenstudentoftheCreelanguageandMetishistoryandculture.JameswasinvolvedinCadetsforseveralyearsandnowisjoiningtheCanadianArmedForcesReserves.HehopestobecomeanRCMPmemberwhenhefinishesschool.

Miriameis19yearsold,Inuit,andcurrentlylivinginYellowknife,NorthwestTerritories.MiriameishalfInuitandhalfFrench.SheattendsSirJohnFranklinHighSchoolandispartoftheIndigenousLeadershipthere.Shelikestobeoutside,camping,beingontheland,running,andhikingwithherdog.Shealsolikesreading,Englishclassandtoworkoutanddoyoga.Miriameisonapathtoregainherculture.Sheispassionateaboutequalityandjusticeandtriestostanduptoinjusticeeverytimesheseesit.Miriamehasthegiftof

understandingotherpeopleandsituationsandcanrelate.Shehastheabilitytospeak,expressanddiscussheropinionswithothers.ShewantstobringastrongvoicefromtheNWTandtobringaperspectiveofthosewhoreallyneedtobeheardandseen.Miriamewantstomakechangesintheworldandknowsthatshecan.

Melanie-Roseis19yearsold,Metis,andcurrentlylivinginSudbury,Ontario.Melanie-RoseisaYouthAmbassadorofCanada,aYouthAboriginalLeaderandMotivationalSpeaker,andFounderof“It`sCooltobeHealthy”,anon-profitorganization.Makingapositivedifferenceinhercommunityandinhercountryisherpassion.Melanie-RosetakesgreatprideinherFrancophoneandMetisheritage.Healthpromotion,empoweringyouthandcommunityinvolvementarelifetimecommitments.Overthepastfouryearsshehasvolunteeredover1500hourstohercommunityandcreatedanon-profitorganizationbasedonraisingawarenessaboutlivingahealthylifestyle.AsthesolevoiceofstudentsontheAboriginalAdvisoryEducationCommittee,Melanie-RosewasinstrumentalintheinitialofferingofanAboriginalStudiesCourseofferedataSecondarylevelintheFrenchCatholicSchoolBoard.ShewasaguestspeakeratWeDayTorontoin2015wheresherepresentedtheIndigenousyouthofOntario.Melanie-RoseisnowanIndigenousProgramandServiceCoordinatorfortheUniversityofSudbury.