Y O U R V O I C E ! Y O U R F U T U R E ! 2 0 2 3 Y O U T H A S S E M B L Y 2 0 2 3 Message
I am writing to express my full support for theyouth rtance of our Nehiyawak language. We wantour young people to learn their Cree language. Asa parent and grandfather, I've always encouragedmy children to learn Cree, and it's heartening tosee them embrace this heritage. I remembersitting with my two-year-old granddaughter,speaking to her only in Cree. By the time she wasfour, she could remember some of the words Itaught her. These moments are important becausethey plant seeds of our language and culture thatwill grow with you. When you grow older, you'llremember these teachings and pass them on tothe next generation, keeping our traditions alive.However, I am concerned about the challengesfacing our youth today, especially regardingalcohol and drugs. It's troubling to see young people using thesesubstances. These habits often start at home, andit's our duty as parents and community membersto guide our children towards healthier choices.My parents taught me the importance of avoidingdrugs and alcohol. We all need to support eachother, but change must come from within. Creewords to remember this include the words love,sākihitowin ᓵᑭᐦᐃᑐᐃᐧᐣ, faith, tāpokeyihtamowinᑖᐳᑫᔨᐦᑕᒧᐃᐧᐣ, hope, pakoseyimowin ᐸᑯᓭᔨᒧᐃᐧᐣandforgiveness, kāsīnamaw ᑳᓰᓇᒪᐁᐧᐤ. Our community faces challenges, and it's up toeach of us to make a difference. Let's respect ourelders and learn from their wisdom, as they are thekeepers of our knowledge.w w w . r e d e a r t h c r e e n a t i o n . c a2 0 2 3 Y O U T H A S S E M B L YSincerely, Chief Zachary WhitecapMihkoskiwakak Nehiyawak
2 0 2 3 Y O U T H A S S E M B L YOn behalf of Chief Zachary Whitecap and my fellow Councillors. As Vice Chief of the Red Earth Cree Nation andholder of the Youth portfolio, it is an honour and a privilege to present this year’s Youth Report. Our youth arethe heartbeat of our community, embodying our traditions, aspirations, and the future we envision for Red EarthCree Nation. In this report, we delve into our young people's challenges, achievements, and aspirations. We mustunderstand their needs, listen to their voices, and create opportunities that empower them to thrive. Ourcommitment to their well-being and success is unwavering, as they are the leaders, innovators, and caregivers oftomorrow.We recognize our youth's resilience, creativity, and determination daily. Whether through education, culturalpreservation, or community engagement, they continue to inspire us with their passion and dedication. Thisreport aims to highlight their contributions, address their concerns, and chart an inclusive and supportive pathforward.As we navigate the complexities of today's world, let us remember that investing in our youth is an investment inthe future of Red Earth Cree Nation. Together, let's build a community where every young person feels valued,heard, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. Thank you for your attention to this vital matter. I lookforward to a fruitful discussion and collaborative efforts to ensure a brighter future for our youth and our Nation.Kinanaskomitinawaw
The Red Earth Cree Nation Youth Assemblyserves as a powerful platform for young peopleto express their voices, share their aspirations,and contribute to the future of their Nation.Held in October 2023, this gathering providedan opportunity for youth to engage inmeaningful discussions, connect withleadership, and participate in activities thatcelebrate culture, education, and communitydevelopment.Throughout the Assembly, youth wereencouraged to reflect on their dreams and thechanges they wish to see in their community.Many spoke about their ambitions, ranging frombecoming doctors, engineers, and artists toserving as future leaders of the Nation. Theirresponses highlighted a strong sense of purposeand hope, showing that they see education,mentorship, and community support as keypathways to achieving their goals.The youth voiced their concerns about bullying,community safety, and access to resources,emphasizing the importance of creating asupportive and empowering environment.I want to speak my language and learn in Cree ‘- Youth Participant 2 0 2 3 Y O U T H A S S E M B L Y
S P E A K I N G T H E T R U T H O R S P E A K I N G W I T H P R E C I S I O N A N D A C C U R A C YThe youth have many hopes and dreams. They see a direct linebetween hope and attaining their goals by ensuring their plans aredocumented. Here are the answers from our youth regarding theirfuture:What do you want to be after graduation?NurseArtistNail ArtistPolice OfficerRobotic EngineerChiefHockey PlayerSuperheroJanitorDoctorProfessional volleyball playerFlight AttendantKFC workerBaseball PlayerUFC fighterTeacherParamedicChiefMechanical EngineerIn the Airforce (I wanna fly)
Y O U T H A S S E M B L Y 2 0 2 3A landmark initiative for our Nation, the Red Earth Cultural Centre has officially secured funding and ismoving forward with construction. This center will serve as a hub for cultural learning, languagerevitalization, and community gatherings. The planning committee has been working diligently to ensurethe facility reflects the traditions, knowledge, and aspirations of our people. Once completed, theCultural Centre will provide a dedicated space for youth to engage in traditional practices, storytelling,and mentorship programs led by Elders.These initiatives are just a glimpse of the many efforts underway to support the youth of Red Earth CreeNation. By investing in education, recreation, and cultural preservation, we are creating opportunities forthe next generation to thrive. Together, we build a future where every young person has the resources,guidance, and community support they need to succeed.
What do you want to see in the community?Summer programs, campsJobs for youth (Store/ Band Office) for 16-18 yr oldsMental Health TherapistSummer EmploymentTimmies, McDonalds, KFCHockey RinkChurch ServicesBetter EducationNail SalonLess kids drinking and smokingWorking WaterSafety Cautious Signs for ChildrenHappy YouthGrief supportStop Meth No BullyingSafe housingCheckpointsBus safetyCree lessonsBetter bus monitorsCree lessonsSuicide preventionStreet lightsRecreation CentreHockey School, Basketball campPedestrian SafetyDrivers educationSchool for adultsMore CreeBlock systemAdult 12Healing GatheringsFamily Campls (Living Waters and Thunder Rapids)No child abuseHorse RidingBeadingArcheryYOUTHANSWERS2 0 2 3
Y O U T H A S S E M B L Y 2 0 2 3 Y O U R V O I C E ! Y O U R F U T U R E !