Poked, prodded, researched, questioned. In my travels across Canada I have heard repeatedly from First Nation youth that they are done being the subjects of studies, reports and strategies – especially those that do not genuinely turn their sharing into action and change for themselves and other young people. Now is the time, with the support of allies and champions, for youth to identify research questions, create meaningful and safe ways to collect information and drive action through their courageous sharing.
Yesterday I was privileged to attend the official release at the Ontario Legislature of the Ontario’s Advocate for Children and Youth special report, informed and authored by First Nations youth and young adults that urges local, provincial, federal and First Nations leadership to partner with them to create safer, healthier communities for northern remote and fly-in First Nations communities. Yesterday, and the months of work leading up to the official release in Thunder Bay, Toronto and Ottawa, young people drove the process. They demonstrated that the time for youth and young adult voices to be heard, is now. Their words both in the report and shared by the authors at the release, rooted in their lived experiences and learnings touched me deeply. It reminded me that as an adult, and more particularly as an Ojibway adult, I have a role to play to as an ally to stand alongside First Nation young people and use whatever tools I have to ensure that action is taken.
I say this because this is not simply a must read report – but a must act report. Said best by Ontario’s Advocate for Children and Youth, Irwin Elman, “We cannot, as a province, afford not to take the hand these young people have offered.” The youth bravely are reaching out; we must, as individual adults, governments, Nations, non-profits and businesses, reach back. The young people are simple asking for hope. If we can’t provide that, for yet another generation, then we have all failed.
We believe First Nation youth matter. Their experiences matter. Their history, culture, language and the connection to these, it matters. Their ideas, dreams and genuine hope, it matters. Them understanding and feeling this, deep within as individual, it matters.
We believe First Nation youth are important. Their voice and expressions and courage is important. They are important in their families and communities. They are important to Canada and the successful future of Nation-to-Nation relations across the land. Them knowing and believing these things, that is important.
We believe First Nation youth belong. They belong at the podium, like they were yesterday. They belong in their community schools and our post-secondary institutions. They belong in the goalie net as much as they belong in the community organizations working in partnership with their communities. They belong at the decision making table. Them experiencing this first hand, being honoured, heard and respected, that will reinforce to them so they trust its truth that yes, they belong.
We will keep sharing our message of the 3 Things with First Nation youth across Canada. We will continue to be grateful for the opportunities to engage, support and walk alongside First Nation youth and young adults. We will continue to reach back. It’s the very least we can do.
Learn more about the launch via APTN here, and you can read the report online at http://digital.provincialadvocate.on.ca/i/259048.