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

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 delved into lively discussions on various 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 newly elected youth chief, expressed his gratitude for being entrusted with the responsibility of amplifying the voices of youth in the Mi’kmaw community near Sydney, N.S. He shared his vision of organizing more cultural activities like fire-keeping, building teepees, and teaching about traditional medicines during his tenure.

The council members, responsible for addressing the concerns and challenges faced by the youth in the community, also discussed the significance of their presence at community events like salites and ceremonies. Mia MacDonald, a Grade 10 student and the new vice-chief, expressed her excitement about helping elders and being a role model for younger kids. She is creating a program at Sydney Academy called Revitalizing our Youth, where both Mi’kmaw and non-Mi’kmaw students can learn about Mi’kmaw language and culture.

Jordyn Devoe, another Grade 10 student on the youth council, emphasized her goal of creating a better learning environment for future generations. The council members will learn to propose motions and vote on initiatives for youth-led events throughout the year. They will also have the opportunity to share their ideas or concerns with the Membertou chief and council, equipping them with valuable leadership skills.

Trennan Paul, a Grade 10 student and councillor, expressed his passion for participating in cultural activities and highlighted the workshops the youth council plans to organize, focusing on teaching Mi’kmaw skills like language speaking, spearing workshops, and fishing.

The youth chief and council operate under Membertou’s governance committee, with Paul Bradley Gould, a councillor holding the governance portfolio, supporting the youth council’s weekly sessions. He commended the council members for their eagerness to get involved, volunteer, and organize events in the community. Gould expressed his desire to see every community have a youth chief and council throughout Mi’kma’ki, fostering leadership and community engagement among the youth.