Oshkaatisak Young Peoples Council leads the way

The unveiling of the Oshkaatisak – Nishnawbe Aski Nation Young Peoples Council new name and logo at the Seven Sacred Teachings Youth Gathering has earned a spot as one of Wawatay’s youth stories of the year.
“The crane represents leadership,” said youth council spokesman Jason Smallboy, explaining the logo features a large crane designed by Matawa First Nations’ Patrick Cheechoo. “That is what the youth council is about – young leaders leading the way and paving the way for the future of the youth.”
Smallboy said the Youth Council realized they needed a new name and logo as the past decade was coming to a close.
“We talked about some of the different goals and did a planning session on things we wanted to do for the future,” Smallboy said.
Grand Chief Stan Beardy helped a group of youth unveil the new logo during the beginning of the Seven Sacred Teachings Youth Gathering held Jan. 25-29 in Thunder Bay.
“The youth council is important, not only for professional and personal development, but it is something for our youth to feel a sense of belonging,” Beardy said. “It’s a chance for the youth to be themselves, to network and to support each other. The new symbol and name gives a sense of identity to youth in their own society.”
The Seven Sacred Teachings Youth Gathering featured workshops on bullying and self esteem, building a positive self image after residential school, lands and resources, fur and licensing, fish and lakes, forestry, Elder teachings on tobacco and medicines, in-depth Seven Grandfather teachings, Elder teachings on tobacco and medicines, a roots and shoots program, regalia making, a pipe ceremony and discussion, a keynote speech on respect/wisdom/truth, speeches on the Seven Sacred Teachings and romantic notions on love and respect, a sacred fire and a sunrise ceremony.
Youth council formed based on need
James Thom
Wawatay News
Following a suicide prevention conference in January 2000, Nishnawbe Aski Nation chiefs committed to their youth and declared 2001-2010 to be the NAN Decade for Youth and Development.
A council was quickly formed in 2001 to fulfill the chiefs’ mandate of addressing more effectively the problems of young men and women and to increase opportunities for their participation in NAN communities.
The council was also tasked with enhancing awareness, promoting, and providing a voice for youth in the NAN territory.
In the past 10 years, council members came and went but the message stayed the same.
They offered programming including the Girl Power program, enhanced awareness of the situation of youth and increased recognition of the rights and aspirations of youth and helped get the youth more involved in the decision-making processes at all levels.
Since its inception, NAN Decade for Youth has travelled to most, if not all, the NAN communities to connect with youth, organized annual or special youth gatherings and increased awareness of youth rights and aspirations.
Seeing the importance of the council, NAN chiefs voted to permanently extend the council’s mandate during the winter chief’s assembly March 12, 2009.
As the decade drew to a close, the council was rebranded at the 2009 Keewaywin Conference.