Membertou First Nation's newly elected youth chief and council convene for first meeting
Council made up of high school students serves as voice for youth in the community
In the boardroom of Membertou First Nation's band hall, the community's newly elected youth chief and council convened for their inaugural meeting of the 2024-2025 session on Monday.
The group engaged in lively discussions on topics including volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and their aspirations to host and participate in cultural and language teachings such as sweat lodges and youth culture camps.
Maddox Paul, a Grade 11 student and the new youth chief, expressed his gratitude for being given the opportunity to amplify the voices of youth in the Mi'kmaw community near Sydney, N.S.
"I'm glad that the youth can trust me with the big responsibility of being a chief," said Paul.
He said he looks up to the achievements of previous youth chief and councils, highlighting initiatives like the creation of a school lunch program for Mi'kmaw students at Sydney Academy and organizing special low-sensory events for youth with sensory issues.
The council will be responsible for addressing the concerns and challenges faced by the youth in the community.
Members are also expected to attend and volunteer at community events like salites and ceremonies, as well as organizing their own events and initiatives.
Mia MacDonald, a Grade 10 student and new vice-chief, said she is inspired by the work of past youth councils in running salites, making wreaths and helping the elders.
"I can't wait to help elders and be more [involved] in the community than I was before and also being a really good role model for younger kids, that's really important," said MacDonald.
Jordyn Devoe, a Grade 10 student on the youth council, said the new council seems naturally adept at working together.
She has a big goal to accomplish this year on council.
"I honestly just want to make a better learning environment for the future generations coming," said Devoe.
Council members will learn how to propose motions and vote on initiatives for youth-led events throughout the year. They are encouraged and will be given opportunities to share their ideas or concerns with the Membertou chief and council.
This experience is expected to equip them with leadership skills, and empower them to navigate community politics effectively.
Trennan Paul, a Grade 10 student and councillor, said his passion lies in participating in cultural activities and that the new youth chief and council will hold workshops teaching Mi'kmaw skills — "cultural stuff here and there, like language speaking. spearing workshops, fishing in general."
The youth chief and council operates under Membertou's governance committee. As a councillor holding the governance portfolio, Paul Bradley Gould will support the youth council's weekly sessions.
He said he is looking forward to seeing what the youth council will achieve over the year.
"Right off the hop, I've seen they're eager to get involved and volunteer and they're eager to get out in the community, put on events, and that's good to see," said Gould.
"I'd like to see every community have a youth chief and council throughout Mi'kma'ki."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
