Membertou First Nation's newly elected youth chief and council convene for first meeting

In the boardroom of Membertou First Nation'sband hall,the community's newly elected youth chief and council convened for their inaugural meeting of the 2024-2025 session on Monday.

The groupengaged in lively discussions ontopicsincluding 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 giventhe opportunity to amplify the voices ofyouth 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 Academyand organizing special low-sensory events for youth with sensory issues.

The council will beresponsible for addressing the concerns and challenges faced by the youth in the community.

Members are also expected to attend and volunteer at community eventslike salitesandceremonies,as well as organizing their own events and initiatives.

Mia MacDonald, a Grade 10 student and newvice-chief, saidshe 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, saidthenew council seems naturally adept at working together.

She has a big goal to accomplish this year oncouncil.

"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 withleadership skills, and empowerthem to navigate community politics effectively.

Trennan Paul, a Grade 10 student and councillor, saidhis passion lies in participating in cultural activities and that the new youth chief and council will holdworkshops 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 Gouldwill 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 seenthey'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 andcouncil throughout Mi'kma'ki."