NAN, Oshkaatisak Council welcomes Youth delegates

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox and the Oshkaatisak (All Young People’s) Council will welcome more than 100 youth delegates from across NAN territory to the annual Youth Gathering in Thunder Bay today.

“Health is the theme for this year’s youth gathering. Laying the foundation for a healthy future is so important for our youth,” said Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox. “Youth from across NAN will be able to have their goals heard and learn how to continue to make these dreams come true. I am excited for them to learn about the work being done in Health Transformation, housing and the reclaiming of their languages. Their time here will give them a place to have fun, learn, and grow.”

Breakout sessions for the three-day gathering (February 15-18) will include workshops focusing on mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. These elements are linked the overall theme of the gathering which is “Health Leaders for Healthy Futures”.

Day two of the gathering will feature a presentation by the Oshkaatisak Council and Ottawa Youth Delegation. These leaders will highlight their third consecutive meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and their travels to Australia to represent NAN at the Second National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Suicide Prevention Conference.

“We are honoured to be hosting this gathering and recognize the importance of coming together as a community,” said Oshkaatisak Council member Raven Friday. “We have created an agenda that reflects the importance of culture, health, and being a leader. It is our goal that everyone who attends will branch out of their comfort zone by meeting new people, trying new things and having fun.”

The Youth Gathering is being held at the Best Western Plus Nor’Wester and Conference Centre.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca