Youth In Service
The Youth In Service project was designed to engage youth from Saskatchewan, Indigenous and non-indgenous, in Reconciliation.
It started with two conferences with Elders, motivational guest speakers, round table discussions, group and individual activities:
Northern Conference held on October 21-23, 2019 at the Elkridge Resort, Waskesiu, SK
Southern Conference held on October 28-30, 2019 at the Travelodge South, Regina, SK
At the end of the two conferences, 36 youth were selected to continue working and traveling with the OTC:
♦ 20 Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth will form a Youth Advisory Council;
♦ 10 Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth will join the OTC’s Youth Speaker’s Bureau;
♦ 6 Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth will form a Youth with Youth Cadre
The OTC created opportunities for youth to participate in Truth and Reconciliation events all over the province. One of the activities the youth engaged in were the speaker’s bureau events. The Speaker’s Bureau taught them about the history of the Treaties and Indian Act, the Residential Schools, etc, cultural and land based events such as feasts, round dance, Elder’s teachings, etc. Events that have a cultural exchange component i.e visiting the local Mosque, finding opportunities for them to participate in workshops that deal with race relations in Saskatchewan, etc.
Helping youth to identify and use their strengths is critical; it is a way to motivate them to develop the skills they need to succeed because they certainly want a voice and be heard.
Every month these youth participate in events.
November 2019:
Speaker's Bureau Gathering and Training
OTC's 30th Anniversary Feast and Round dance
December 2019:
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mosque Feast, Saskatoon, SK
Winter Solstice Ceremony, Regina, SK
January 2020:
The Cooperators Truth and Reconciliation Event, Regina
Wanuskewin Bison Ceremony, Saskatoon
Youth in Service Public Speaking Training, Saskatoon
White Privilege Workshop, Saskatoon
February 2020:
Ministikwin Winter Cultural Camp, Ministikwin, SK
Fond Du Lac Denesuline Nation
March 2020:
Nipawin Reconciliation Group Visit, Nipawin
Staying in touch virtually throughout COVID-19