EAGLE LAKE FIRST NATION – The First Nation leadership in Ontario are pleased to announce the formation of the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council, a group of young people committed to voicing the concerns and issues of First Nations youth in Ontario.

“Having this group of young people forming this council is a huge step forward for First Nation youth across the province,” says Grand Chiefs Angie Barnes, youth portfolio holder for the Chiefs of Ontario. “This council will provide a collective voice to the Chiefs-in-Assembly on issues impacting the youth, as well as taking part in the discussions that will impact their future,” she says. “The OFNYPC will work with First Nations youth on leadership and youth council development.”

The OFNYPC was called upon by First Nation youth at an Indigenous Youth Symposium on Economic Development in November 2003. These participants felt that a forum was needed to raise their concerns to First Nation leadership, as well as to work with the Chiefs of Ontario to lobby Federal and Provincial governments to provide more resources to address issues such as suicide prevention, education, and housing. The structure of the council provides regional First Nation youth representation to ensure all issues and ideas within the province are covered.

The Chiefs of Ontario is a coordinating body for 134 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the Province of Ontario. The main objective of the Chiefs of Ontario office is to facilitate the discussion, planning, implementation and evaluation of all local, regional and national matters affecting the First Nations people of Ontario.

“We need to engage First Nation youth to take a lead role in addressing their concerns. The OFNYPC provides a means to do that,” says Barnes. “The young people today are educated and are able to think beyond the constraints of the Indian Act that governs our communities. It is essential that we work with the young people and give them a means to work for the well being of First Nation peoples and communities.”