ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS YOUNG PEOPLES COUNCIL Sustaining the Future of our Nations INFORMATION BOOKLET July 2007 UPDATED DECEMBER 2007 Chiefs of Ontario Political Office Fort William First Nation Suite 101, 90 Anemki Dr. Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1A5 Phone: 807-626-9339 Fax: 807-626-9404 www.chiefs-of-ontario.ca
Purpose THE ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS YOUNG PEOPLES COUNCIL The Ontario First Nations Youth Peoples Council is a regional youth council that represents the youth of all First Nations in Ontario by being a voice for youth issues at all levels of government. Membership The OFNYPC is made up of two regional representatives from each of the Provincial Territorial Organizations in Ontario as well as the Independent First Nations. This structure ensures that there is accurate and fair representation of the diverse regions and communities at the provincial level. The current members are: Grand Council Treaty # 3 Nick Mainville Jr. Carolyn Kokokopenace Couchiching First Nation Grassy Narrows First Nation Nishnawbe Aski Nation Serene Spence Proxy Esther McKay Male representative TBA Martin Falls First Nation Bearskin Lake First Nation Union of Ontario Indians Sandra Albert Travis Boissoneau Chippewa of the Thames Garden River First Nation Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians Amanda Sault Justin Logan Mississaugas of New Credit Moravian of the Thames Independent First Nations Sasha Maracle Waylon Scott Six Nations of the Grand River Wabaseemoong First Nation 2
Terms of Reference The terms of reference designed by the youth working group and approved by the Chiefs in Assembly through COO Resolution# 04/09 serves as the guiding document for the activities of the Council. The original terms of reference were amended in 2006 to further define the role and activities of the Council s portfolio structure. Vision Statement Knowing that the Creator placed us here to live in peace and harmony with all Creation Carrying the legacy of our ancestors forward on to our children and generation yet unborn Being free in accordance with our own traditional Constitutions and our sacred laws We are the original sovereign nations in Turtle Island And living by our inherent gifts and covenants, we envision the time of our Nationhood and traditional governance and governments Where our Elders, Men, Women and Youth are once gain fully participating citizens in traditional governance, Where our children have the best opportunity to complete the life cycle from childhood, adolescence, adulthood and elderhood in healthy families and communities. Where our First Nations communities enjoy cultural, political, social and economic self-sufficiency and the inherent right to self government Where our peoples have free and total access to the land, air, water, environment and resources of their territories in accordance with their inherent jurisdiction, customs, values and traditions Mission Statement The Mission Statement gives us Unity of Cause and Purpose Toward our Vision To be the young leaders of Ontario by accepting our roles and responsibilities in ways that balance traditional values with the modern concepts of today. Also, the OFNYPC are committed to revitalize traditional governance and governments and secure the resources to do it; and to strengthen our support systems in the transition toward nationhood. The goals of the Council are to: Work along side the Ontario Chiefs in Assembly and the Political Confederacy in their decisions relating to but not limited to: Governance, Social Development, Economic Development, Education and Health. 3
Identify the issues that are affecting the First Nations Youth in Ontario and develop projects to address these issues. Act as role models and ambassadors at regional, national, international forums involving youth. To promote the importance of living a health lifestyle by identifying the negative impacts of physical and mental abuse. Build the capacity of the youth to assume their future roles and responsibilities. The Ontario Chiefs in Assembly and the Political Confederacy shall accept the positions of the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council; these decisions will affect their future. Principles Guide us in our journey Our original Constitutions and Traditional Law are the Supreme Laws of our Nations Inherent Jurisdiction is exercised through Temporal Laws and Public Policy of our governments Our Elders are the keepers of Traditional Law Our relationships are based on the International Treaties among our respective Nations that predate contact with settler nations The spirit and intent of our Treaties with the Crown, as we understand them, are the basis for a peaceful and harmonious co-existence with Crown governments. The trust relationship between our Nations and the Crown in right in Canada is for as long as the sun shines, the rivers flow and the grass is green. While working towards the goals the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council shall adhere to the following principles: To strive for unity of all First Nations within the borders of Ontario by understanding and respecting the diversity of all our Nations Seek and understand the principles and teachings of your respected Nations Walking the balanced path by balancing traditional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Mandate It was at the Economic Indigenous Youth Symposium 2003 that the youth in attendance requested the development of a regional youth council. The OFNYPC has received their mandate to function through the Chiefs in Assembly Resolution 03/04 dated November 19 th, 2003. Resolution 03/04 and other OFNYPC support resolutions are posted on the Chiefs of Ontario website at http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/ 4
Membership The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council shall consist of representatives for each of the four regional organizations as well as two (2) representatives (1 male, 1 female) of the Independents First Nations: Union of Ontario Indians Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Council Treaty # 3 Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians Independent First Nations Council The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council shall be reflective of the four regional organizations and Independent First Nations with each having 1 males and I female representative Only First Nations status youth may be members Each member shall sit for a term of two years (unless a regions youth council s terms of reference states otherwise) Council members may be residing on their community (on reserve) or in and urban center Council members must be between the ages of 18-29; when a member turns 29 years of age they will have a 6-month period to complete their work and train a replacement Membership on the AFN National Youth Council The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council shall have two representatives (1 male, I female) on the Assembly First Nations National Youth Council. Elder An Elder from the territory where a meeting or event is held shall advise the activities of the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council. Resources The Chiefs of Ontario shall secure funding on annual basis to support the activities of the OFNYPC. A youth department shall perform the activities of the OFNYPC and shall consist of the following: Youth Coordinator (COO) A youth coordinator shall oversee all the technical aspects of the activities requested by the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council. 5
Administrative Assistant (COO) The Administrative Assistant shall undertake all the administrative aspects of the activities requested by the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (i.e. travel, accommodations, minutes, etc...) Selection Process The OFNYPC shall select two representatives from each of the four regional organizations, as well as two from the Independent First Nations. The COO shall respect the selection process of the regions according to their customs, traditions and cultures. If the region does not have a process in place to select their youth leaders they shall consider the following options. 1. Criteria-Each region shall develop a criteria based on their expectations of their representatives. The criteria may consist of or be a combination of the following: Education Council Experience Involved in youth initiatives Essay Contest Past Achievements Employment Record Volunteer Work Language Speaker 2. Nominations- Each region shall develop a nomination form in order to receive nomination from the communities that will identify the appropriate youth to represent them. Whether the youth may or may not nominate themselves is at the discretion of the region. 3. Appointment-Each Grand Chiefs of their respective region shall select the appropriate youth to represent their region. The method by which the youth are selected is solely at the discretion of the region. 4. Election Each region shall develop a process whereby each community within the region can select youth representatives. Those youth elected at the community level, who wish to run for the two positions may step forward in a nomination by the region. The Election Day procedures are at the discretion of the region. Portfolio Structure The current OFNYPC governing structure consists of ten youth of five major First Nations groups in Ontario. In the interim, until an inherent governance structure is developed, a portfolio system has been activated by the Council. Each member holds a portfolio of interest and he/she is responsible to represent and advocate for the interests of all youth in Ontario. 6
Overview The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council Portfolio Structure is designed in coherence with the values, principles and standards which govern the overall action and policy of the Chiefs of Ontario. The activities of the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council are governed by the Political Confederacy (PC). The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council Portfolio Structure forms a part of an interactive process with the Chiefs of Ontario, and with all levels of government in which young peoples will play a major role in determining their future. The OFNYPC portfolio structure is an instrument that reflects the Young Peoples Council s approach to youth involvement and engagement in all matters that impact on their lives and communities. Scope The OFNYPC portfolio structure will address all issues impacting First Nations youth in Ontario. Purpose The purpose of the youth portfolio is to allow for the individual OFNYPC members to manage and be responsible to direct the work that is required to address the needs and aspirations of First Nations youth in wide range of areas of political, cultural, policy, and social issues. Mandate Each youth portfolio holder has a specific mandate to represent the interests of the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council. The mandate of each portfolio is designated by the resolution of the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council. Membership Each member of the OFNYPC shall be responsible for at least one portfolio. Each member may hold a number of portfolios. Each portfolio may be shared by a number of members. Portfolio Selection Each member will declare their interest of a particular portfolio. Each member that declares their interest will have five minutes to speak on their past experience and/or their future aspirations in regards to their particular portfolio. 7
Each member that declares their interest will have an additional five minutes available for question and answer. Each member on the council will then cast a vote, and the two candidates with the most votes will be declared the portfolio holders for their specific area. Role and Responsibilities of each portfolio Each portfolio holder is responsible to adhere to the OFNYPC Code of Ethics and Conduct when undertaking the duties of their portfolio. It will be the responsibility of the Youth Coordinator to liaison between the youth portfolio holders and the relevant program coordinator within the Chiefs of the Ontario. Each portfolio holder will be responsible to access and maintain information related to their respective portfolio. Each portfolio holder will be responsible to attend meetings, conferences, training sessions, and other functions related to their portfolio. Each portfolio holder will be responsible to report to the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council on the activities of their portfolio area. Each portfolio holder is responsible to advocate for the best interests of First Nation youth; Each portfolio holder will respect the work and responsibility of other portfolio holders and will not engage in any activities related to the portfolio without prior notice to respective youth portfolio holder. Role and responsibility of proxy portfolio holders OFNYPC will allow for proxy portfolio holders in order to facilitate the engagement and involvement of local youth in the objectives of OFNYPC. Each member of the Council with a portfolio may share the responsibilities of their portfolio with a youth proxy who is selected by the member and is ratified by the Council. It will be the responsibility of the Portfolio holder to provide information on the past experience, future aspirations and qualifications of the youth proxy. It will be the responsibility of the Portfolio holder to provide supervision and direction to the youth proxy on the activities and accountability of their respective portfolio. The proxy youth portfolio will be subject to the Code of Conduct &Ethics of the OFNYPC. It will be the responsibility of youth proxy portfolio holder to report to the Council member responsible for the portfolio, and or to the OFNYPC as a whole. 8
Portfolio Holders Council Member Portfolio(s) Sasha Maracle Proxy Vanessa Turner Waylon Scott Proxy Darryl Sainnawap Nick Mainville Jr. Proxy Darren Harper Carolyn Kokokopenace Proxy Levi Kokokopenace Travis Boissoneau Proxy Arnold Yellowman Sandra Albert Proxy Vacant Amanda Sault Proxy Vacant Justin Logan Proxy Vacant Serene Spence Proxy Esther McKay Vacant-NAN Male Proxy Child Welfare, Economic Development, Housing Governance, Taxation, Nation Building Recreation, Economic Development, Health, Treaty & Aboriginal Rights, Communications Environment, Governance Natural Resources, Culture & Tradition Treaties, Aboriginal Rights Language, Fundraising Education, Justice, Housing Education, Social Services Education, Social Services Justice, Language OFNYPC Website: http://chiefs-of-ontario.org/youth OFNYPC Logo Description The logo is a pencil drawing of a medicine wheel with the four directions shadowed by four people holding hands, while there are four more small people circled in center around medicine wheel. The logo design shows unity, protection and connection by the surrounding figures which represent: the four directions, four elements, care givers, teachers, parents, family and elders holding hands. The circle is the focal point in foreground or center of the image and in the back-round or outer circle which shows repetition of the meaning or teaching of the sacred hoop. The center of the circle is a medicine wheel surrounded by smaller peoples facing outwards, symbolizing our youth preparing to face the world but in the protection or care of the sacred-circle and our leaders. The image also represents growth, development and our acknowledgement of the creator by its overall flower like or star resemblance. 9
OFNYPC Annual Report June 2007 The Ontario First Nations Yong Peoples Council, formed in March of 2005, is pleased to provide a report on its activities for 2006-2007. This year marks the third year of their existence as a regional youth council. The Chiefs of Ontario has a full-time Youth Coordinator working to oversee the function and responsibility of the youth initiative. The current OFNYPC governing structure consists of ten youth of five major First Nations groups in Ontario. The members are selected, elected and or appointed by their area political organizations. The existing members have served three years on the Council and have worked hard to establish a recognized voice for First Nations youth in Ontario. This year marks the nomination and selection of new members and or reappointment of the existing Young Peoples Council. The Council will seek direction from the Political Confederacy on the renewal of the Council representation. Since its formation, the OFNYPC has focused its efforts to establish a governing structure that will affect the direction, shape and scope youth issues are being addressed at all levels of government including First Nations. This year, the Council amended its original Terms of Reference to enhance and strengthen its portfolio structure. Each member holds a portfolio of interest with a mandate to represent and advocate for the interests of all First Nations youth in Ontario. The youth portfolio holder attends meetings where issues of interest are being addressed to ensure youth inclusion in regional initiatives. The OFNYPC members are diligent in their efforts to ensure youth inclusion and integration within current decision making and governing structures. The Council is instrumental to provide information, advice, and direction on youth issues to the Chiefs in Assembly, COO staff, Regional Chief, Political Confederacy and to the federal and provincial governments through various mediums such as co-chair duties at Chiefs meetings and forums, youth representation on various committees and working groups. The Council members are visible in public events to represent and demonstrate the solidarity of youth in Ontario. The Council held four face to face meetings and seven conference calls to discuss priority and intermittent issues. A reporting procedure is carried out at each meeting to ensure each member is informed of local, regional, national and global issues. Each member of the Youth Council is working with their respective area representative to assist develop five youth councils per year and/or build the capacity of existing youth councils in their area. A listing of all the existing and new youth councils has been compiled by the members. The Council reviews and approves an annual work plan to ensure the timely implementation of goals and objectives. The young peoples have held four information sessions with various youth groups to inform on the role and activities of OFNYPC. The Council is still actively seeking a logo to represent their diverse cultures and territories. OFNYPC is offering $250 as a prize for a logo. Ongoing update and additions to the email network as new contacts and networks are established and engaged. The youth section of the Chiefs of 10
Ontario website provides information on youth profiles,cuurrent issues, events, bulletins, message board,documentation and contact information. The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council is acknowledged at the national level for its work in youth advocacy. Two members of the OFNYPC are currently the National Co-chairs for the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council. As national leaders, they are role models of strong youth leadership in Ontario and across Canada. The OFNYPC 4 th Annual Youth Symposium on Culture, Language and Tradition hosted by the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on March 16-18 th, 2007 was successful to reinforce the growth of cultural roots for 200 First Nations youth participants. The Council was actively involved in the planning and coordination of the 4 th symposium. With each annual symposium, the capacity of OFNYPC to plan and coordinate is improved. Youth in Ontario benefit when their regional representatives are more knowledgeable and skilled in their abilities to represent them. As a result of the teachings observed at the symposium, a member of the Council called for the youth in Ontario to participate in the Cleansing of Mother Earth on Earth Day April 22, 2007. Youth in the Ontario First Nations were motivated and challenged to participate in the cleaning of their communities and surrounding environment. To better service the needs of their peers, the Council engaged in a capacity building exercises. In the fall and mid winter, the Council trained in strategic planning and have developed a draft five year sustainability strategy to ensure the sustainability of the Council The Youth Council has also started the strategic planning phase on two other strategies; Youth Engagement and Communications. Implementation of these strategies will provide opportunities for local youth to influence cultural, social, economical and environmental changes within their respective community and territory. The growth of the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council is gradual and progressive in spites of its challenges. They are experiencing growing pains as they strive to create and promote a recognized voice for youth within current decision making and governing structures. They are more aware on how important their roles and responsibilities are as leaders. They are striving to contribute to a major shift within their communities and main stream society where youth involvement in decision making and governance is valued. If they were to change one thing, it would be to change the perspective current leaders have of youth peoples as future leaders; OFNYPC members want to be viewed as leaders of today moving forward into future. Highlight of upcoming activities in 2007 5 th Annual Youth Symposium on the Environment February 2008 Selection of the new and/or renewed appointment of current OFNYPC Implementation of the Youth Engagement and Communications Strategies Planning the Finance and Culture, Tradition and Language Strategies; Ongoing planning and development of the 5 year Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan; Ongoing engagement and mobilization of youth councils; Distribution of revamped OFNYPC Toolkits; A new and exciting youth site on the COO website; 11
Youth Information sessions in each of the four territories; Participation at the upcoming AFN National Youth Summit; Networking with youth groups across Ontario, Canada and International; Participation on planning for a National Day of Action June 29 tht, 2007; YOUNG PEOPLES COUNCIL CONTACT LIST Nick Mainville Jr. Grand Council Treaty # 3 Couchiching First Nation Carolyn Kokokopenace Grand Council Treaty # 3 Grassy Narrows First Nation Serene Spence Nishnawbe Aski Nation Martin Falls First Nation Esther Mckay (Proxy) Nishnawbe Aski Nation Bearskin Lake First Nation NAN Male Representative (TBA) Travis Boissoneau Union of Ontario Indians Garden River First Nation Sandra Albert Union of Ontario Indians Chippewa of the Thames Sasha Maracle Independent First Nations Six Nations of the Grand River Waylon Scott Independent First Nations Wabaseemoong First Nation Amanda Sault Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians Mississaugas of New Credit Justin Logan Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians Moravian of the Thames nickmainvillejr@hotmail.com mac_a_licious31@hotmail.com diva_spence02@hotmail.com shiiwish26@hotmail.com Trav_buzzno@hotmail.com kanatahawi@hotmail.com smaracle@rogers.com waylonsc@rocketmail.com 4als2@qlink.queensu.ca aiaiyouthrep@hotmail.com Acknowledgement The preparation and printing of the OFNYPC Information Booklet July 2007 Updated December 2007 is made possible by funding received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Thank you to the OTF. 12