Wabun youth gathering changes lives
Ethan Naveau of Mattagami First Nation has attended the Wabun Youth Cultural Gathering since it began 12 years ago. Now as a senior youth, it brought back old memories as he made new ones when he attended the gathering of youth from several Treaty Nine First Nations February 20-22 to the Elk Lake Eco Centre in northeastern Ontario.
“I get to reinvent myself because it builds my self confidence and I learn about new things,” said Naveau.
The event features traditional teaching, cultural sharing and youth empowerment and support.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox drove all the way from Thunder Bay to attend.
“I hope and trust that we are going to see great leaders coming from our youth. Gatherings like this are so important because the youth make connections to each other and learn about each other. It is important that our young people get an education, traditional teachings and they realize that we have to support one another,” said Fox.
Local Elder Vina Hendrix of Matachewan First Nation led ceremonial prayers for the opening and closing of daily activities and was on hand to share her traditional knowledge. Visiting Elder Russel Auger, from Big Stone Cree Nation, Alberta, led youth in a variety of workshops and group sessions that dealt with social issues, youth empowerment, healing from traumatic past and positive affirmations.
“I’ve always believed that love is the most powerful tool we can use to empower our youth and that is the main message we wanted to give them here,” explained Auger.
The annual gathering was developed by Wabun Health Services as a means to provide support for youth from its member First Nations. This was the first event to include additional First Nations in the surrounding NAN territory in northeastern Ontario.
“It is so important to host these events for our youth. After holding this event for so many years, we are starting to see positive changes in our young people. They are becoming more informed about addictions, social issues and historic traumas that all affect our lives,” commented Faye Naveau.
Wabun Health Director Jean Lemieux credits the event to the vision of late Elder Thomas Saunders of Brunswick House First Nation.
“He wanted to see our young people brought together in a supportive and educational gathering like this,” said Lemieux. “It is a major achievement to see how much we have affected our youth over all these years. Our main message to them has always been the importance of education, to remember their heritage and to know that they can achieve their dreams,” explained Lemieux.
Wabun Tribal Council Health Services and Health Canada sponsored the gathering. Funding support was also provided by Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN). Faye Naveau, Regional Crisis Coordinator for Wabun Health Services, coordinated the event.