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Check out the
latest youth profile. |
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Give your opinion of
ongoing youth issues.
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The following is an analysis of the issues
First Nations youth face today. These responses were taken
from a survey developed by of the NAN Decade for Youth Council
and distributed at the Economic Indigenous Youth Symposium.
What
do you feel are the most critical issues facing Aboriginal
youth in regards to Economic Development? Youth Responses
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 Lack
of Education
“Education
is the biggest issue, with education you can improve everything
else.” Vivian Kakepetum, 22, Sandy
Lake
“I believe that education is one of the most important
issues facing young aboriginal people today. Education is the
key to prosperous development within First Nations communities.” April
Head, Whitesand First Nation
This was the most often cited issue, with the least elaboration.
Most respondents probably felt this issue was self-explanatory. |
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Lack of Knowledge
“Lack of knowledge of “hot jobs” and where
the needs are in the job market…” Brandy, 23,
INAC
“I think the basic knowledge of what it takes to
run a business is lacking in most First Nations. There are
plenty of ideas that fall through the cracks because they cannot
simply run an effective business.” Ron Rickard, 22, Garden
River First Nation
This was cited second most often. Generally this is an issue
facing all youth, but especially First Nation youth. Youth pointed
out specifically lack of knowledge regarding jobs, the job market,
business, entrepreneurship, political issues, opportunities that
may be available to youth and also just a general lack of knowledge
regarding the ‘bigger picture’. |
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Social issues and health (mental, emotional, physical,
spiritual)
“…social issues that create barriers preventing
youth from achieving their full potential and a healthy life.” Catherine,
21, Moose Cree First Nation
“Economic development is a piece of the pie. Many of
us today spoke about looking within and I feel that youth need
to be empowered to heal themselves.” Johanne McCarthy,
30, Six Nations
“It starts at home. First Nations need to recapture
the spirit of family, not only in their families but in their
communities as well.” Michelle Paul, 25, M’Chigeeng
First Nation
This was the third most often cited issue. These issues encompass
all that hinders people, personally and in their communities,
from succeeding. Youth pointed out things from depression and
isolation, to cultural teachings, to community wellness and a
lack of role models. More then one person specified a need to ‘empower.’ |
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| Lack of initiative by youth
“I personally know lots of youth between 15-25 that
don’t care if they do anything for the rest of their
lives. I think it’s the number one problem. We fix that
somehow then we will unite and everything else will fall into
place, and we can make this world a better place for our people.” Derek
Swanson, 26, Sudbury
This issue was also included in many responses as part of other
problems, and as part of the responsibility of youth. Some responses
indicated that they believe we put too much focus on barriers
and our negative past, they feel we should put more emphasis
on the future and our opportunities. |
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| Lack of involvement, creation of youth council
“People don’t listen to
us.” Liza Moonias,
24, Marten Falls
“Youth should always have a role in the
decision-making process. Who better to decide for their future
than the youth themselves.” Jen MtPleasant, 24, Six Nations
“Yes,
the youth should be given a voice at all levels.” Jesse
McCormick, 22, Chippewas of the Thames
“There are many
ways that the youth could be involved and the decision of how
they should be involved are up to the community as a whole,
not in part.” Tony Mack, 18, Weenuck
First Nation
Generally, this issue was listed separately from
the critical issues. Separately, the answer was unanimous for
some sort of youth representative body, something to give youth
a voice. A few also listed it as a critical issue saying, for
example, that youth are not recognized by their chief and council
because they are a minority.
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Lack of economic opportunity
“For me it’s becoming well-educated and then returning
to my community- how to create opportunities in my home – and
not selling out and working in the city.” Nicole Richmond,
23, Pic River
“Lack of jobs is one of the major issues
facing the youth. People go to school and nothing is available
on the reserve.” Goodwin, 29, Sandy Lake
This issue was
stated in many ways, as a lack of employment, money and viable
options on reserves.
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Housing
This issue was stated generally. |
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Forestry industry
This issue was stated generally. |
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Struggle between traditional and innovative
technologies
Mentioned in one response.
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Too much dependence on the government
Mentioned
in one response.
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