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Summary
The Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council has two new co-chairs, Rosalie Labillois from the Eastern Door (New Brunswick), and Rollin Bald Eagle from the Saskatchewan region.
Their joint address to the AFN chiefs in assembly this morning, July 23, in Fredericton included statements in their Indigenous languages. Bald Eagle said he’s still learning, but with “each word I learn I seem to find myself.”
The AFN youth council mission is to establish greater visibility and inclusion for “the most vulnerable part of our nations—our young people,” said Labillois.
She said the council is committed to “defend with integrity, to support with dedication, and to advocate for the Indigenous youth to our best abilities.”
She noted it was the 20th anniversary of the youth council. The theme of this year’s 40th anniversary AFN AGA is Celebrating Success and Giving Thanks.
One of the main priorities of the youth council is to advocate for the protection of the lands, waters and all living creatures, Labillois said. She held up for acknowledgement young Autumn Peltier, an Anishinaabe-kwe water keeper, for her efforts in protecting and advocating for water.
As part of their environmental advocacy, in April of this year, the youth council held a youth summit on climate action with 80 participants from across Canada, Bald Eagle reported.
Out of that summit, there were recommendations developed that he shared.
- Decolonize and reconnect to all living entities, such as land, waters, non-human beings, medicines and spirits.
- Ensure lands, waters, non-human beings, medicines and sacred sites are protected and accessible, now and for seven generations to come.
- Support youth in developing sustainable green infrastructure and transportation solutions in their First Nations.
- Prioritize community wellbeing over profit.
- Practise sustainable consumption.
- Support youth in developing education and training for creating scalable, local and land-based solutions.
Bald Eagle noted that the youth council was eager to be a part of the discussion on the renewal of the AFN charter.
“As emerging leaders, we recognize the deep importance to be a part of leading the way into a sustainable future.”