The W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (W̱LC) has finalized its new Youth Advisory Council, an initiative that will put forward the youths’ voices in W̱LC’s efforts to uplift W̱SÁNEĆ.
W̱LC works to enhance recognition and respect for W̱SÁNEĆ Douglas Treaty Rights and Indigenous Rights and Title through collaborative, community-driven initiatives. Through all of its work, W̱LC maintains a commitment to engaging and listening to as many community members as possible to ensure everyone’s interests and ideas are considered.
Given that the work of asserting rights and title will span generations, W̱LC believes that the W̱SÁNEĆ youth are also primary stakeholders in its endeavors. It is in this spirit that W̱LC decided to create a Youth Council.
The new Youth Council is made up of W̱SÁNEĆ community members between the ages of 16 and 29 who have a vision for the future of W̱SÁNEĆ and are willing to learn about W̱SÁNEĆ and its advocacies. Council members are tasked to collect the youth’s feedback and input regarding W̱LC’s initiatives and ensure that their unified interests, needs, and ideas are given a platform.
While the Youth Council will act in an advisory capacity to the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council Board of Directors and provide recommendations and a fresh perspective, it will also have the authority to create, carry out, and make decisions regarding youth-focused projects.
This structure ensures that the voice of the W̱SÁNEĆ youth is meaningfully represented at the governance level. It also aims to empower young members to lead projects and activities that reflect their talents, priorities, and vision for the future.
The Youth Council will meet at least four times each year to engage in this work and carry out its mandate. W̱LC will compensate council members with an honorarium. Furthermore, W̱LC will support council members’ personal development by giving them access to educational opportunities that allow them to learn about the challenges, history, and operations of W̱SÁNEĆ and W̱LC.
W̱LC believes that this leadership advantage for the youth will not only be an important source of feedback for the body but will also help improve the lives of participating members by opening up career opportunities. What’s more, the Youth Council will provide members with real-life experiences in which they can harness the value of teamwork, learn about conflict resolution, and hone their problem-solving skills.
To identify the youth who are best suited for this unique opportunity, W̱LC spent many months collecting and reviewing an impressive number of nominations. It has now selected the members of its very first Youth Council.
Through this new Youth Council, W̱LC looks forward to shaping future leaders who will move reconciliation and cultural revitalization efforts forward for decades to come.
“Our youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are vital voices today. Their perspectives guide us to see the future through fresh eyes and ensure our work reflects the generations yet to come. We are proud of the W̱SÁNEĆ youth who have stepped forward to take on this responsibility. Their courage, care, and commitment to our people show the strength of W̱SÁNEĆ. We look forward to hearing their voices at discussion tables where the future of W̱SÁNEĆ is being shaped.” — Gordon Elliott (ȻELOȽEMKEN), Director of Operations, W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council
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