ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS YOUNG PEOPLES COUNCIL

6TH ANNUAL YOUTH SYMPOSIUM

ON
LEADERSHIP

SUMMARY REPORT
Summary Report

The Chiefs in Ontario is pleased to present the highlights of the Ontario First Nations Young
Peoples Council 6th Annual Youth Symposium on Leadership with pictures that tell the story
of the key events. It is often said “a picture tells a thousand words.”

Brief Background

The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) is a regional youth council
comprised of ten (10) regional representatives from each of the four Provincial Territorial
Organizations in Ontario as well as the Independent First Nations. The Council serves as
the official voice for the youth of the Ontario First Nations on youth issues at all levels of
government.

The mandate of the Council incorporates the hosting of an annual youth symposium on
topics of interest and importance to the First Nations youth in Ontario. Each year the
Council takes the lead to plan and carry out the activities of a youth gathering and this year
the focus for the sixth annual symposium was on leadership and the environment.

Purpose of the Gathering

The goal of the 6th annual youth symposium was to build the leadership capacity of young
peoples who are the leaders and change agents in moving their peers and communities to
protect the environment for the benefit of future generations.

Pre-Conference Planning & Coordination

The planning and coordination of the 6th annual youth symposium was carried out in a joint
effort by the Chiefs in Ontario youth and environment coordinators and assistants, OFNYPC
and the Wabaseemoong Youth Council. Meetings, conference calls and daily emails
between the parties made possible good planning sessions and updates on each phase of
the planning.

Host Youth Council

The Wabaseemoong Youth Council hosted the 6 th annual youth symposium at the Best
Western Lakeside Inn and Conference Centre in Kenora on March 17, 18 & 19th, 2009. The
youth council are members of the Wabaseemoong Independent Nation located in the Treaty
3 territory.

Elders Support

Advice and direction was sought from Elders, traditional knowledge practitioners and other
spiritual advisors prior to, and throughout the planning and coordination of the regional
youth gatherings.

Sustaining the Future of Our Nations Through Strategic & Resilient Leadership 2
 Brief Overview on the Symposium Activities

Sacred Fire

A Sacred Fire was lit in Wabaseemoong on the first morning of the gathering to honour our
ancestral spirits and to ensure proper spiritual protocol and protection for the symposium.
The sacred fire remained lit for the duration of the event.

Meet & Greet Delegates & Invited Guests

A small reception in the front lobby of hotel provided an opportunity for delegates to get to
know each other, catch up with old friends and make new ones. Light refreshments were
served.

Meeting with Host Elders and Organizers

A brief meeting was held between the conference coordinators, OFNYPC and host elders
and host youth council to review the symposium program and to get further direction from
the host Elders on the implementation of traditional protocols.

Gifts and ceremonial offerings

Traditional protocols were observed during the symposium. Tobacco and other appropriate
gifts were offered to the Elders, traditional knowledge practitioners and resource persons to
acknowledge their wisdom and knowledge. Every youth delegate was given a tobacco tie to
acknowledge their participation. Rituals were performed daily to honour life.

Registrations

A registration booth was set up and managed by the COO youth staff. There were 250
registered participants and approximately 60-75 unregistered participants to different
events.

Earth Friendly Conference Packages

.
At the onset of the gathering, OFNYPC demonstrated environmental leadership by
providing each delegate with a bio-degradable ID holder and eco-friendly conference bag.
Resource persons were identified by name tags made from red willow and birch bark. A
number of youth participants brought their own earth friendly name tags which they entered
in the creative name tag making contest.

Elders Lounge

An Elders Lounge was set to allow for the Elders to rest and have a private meeting space
to meet and counsel individual youth and/or youth groups. Elders were available onsite
throughout the symposium.

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 Opening Prayers and Honour Songs

Every morning and evening the Host Elders gave thanks to the Creator for the gift of a new
day and for another day of gathering. The host drum and traditional drum rendered honour
songs, healing songs and other songs to acknowledge the different speakers and events.

Elder Isaac Mandamin Host Elders Elder Margaret Quewezance

Wabaseemoong
Independent
Nation

Host Drum Brown Eagles Singers

Visiting Traditional Drum

Visiting Traditional Drum Elder Joseph Morrison

Sustaining the Future of Our Nations Through Strategic & Resilient Leadership 4
 “Welcome to all the participants from the Ontario First Nations”

Chief Eric Fisher and Chair Bill Halverson of the Wabaseemoong Youth Council and Mayor
Len Compton welcomed the youth delegation to the community, and conveyed the best
wishes of the community for a successful symposium.

Wabaseemoong Youth Council Chief Eric Fisher Mayor Len Compton

City of Kenora

Map of the Ontario First Nations

“This is my First Nation. Thanks! I am excited to be here”

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 Keynote Speakers

The Ontario Regional Chief and three Grand Chiefs address the youth in assembly.

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse Grand Chief Randall Phillips

Grand Chief John Beaucage Ogichidaakwe Dianne Kelly

Youth in Assembly listening and learning from their leaders.

Sustaining the Future of Our Nations Through Strategic & Resilient Leadership 6
 Special Guest Speakers

Mother Earth Water Walk

“Raising awareness on the importance of keeping water clean for future generations”

Elder Josephine Mandamin

National Treaty Spokesperson

“Why First Nations Youth Need to Understand the Meaning of Treaties”

Chief Ovide Mercredi

Honorary Chief for Life

“First Nation Leadership in Canada”

Chief Elijah Harper

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 Youth Presenters

Robert A. Horton
National Aboriginal Youth Role Model

“Winds of Change, Youth are the Change”

Rachel Wuttunee Arnold Yellowman

KI International Youth Advocate UOI Youth Working Group

“Ontario First Nations Water Declaration” “ICE Protecting Mother Earth”

Jordan Quequish
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Youth Council

“
Healing Song”

“Youth Healing Song”

Way to These
Go! peeps are
too cool!

Sustaining the Future of Our Nations Through Strategic & Resilient Leadership 8

My walk in life is
committed to being a
youth advocate for
future generations.
Chrissy Swain
I write and
sing songs for my
personal healing!
\
Many of my songs
are also dedicated
to healing our
peoples
Angus Jourdain Jr.
I competed at the
North American
Indigenous Games!
The competition was
tough. I persevered
and won a medal in
my sport.
Roxann Shapwaykeesic
Youth Leaders Panel
Sustaining the Future of Our Nations Through Strategic & Resilient Leadership
Youth Leadership Panel
I stood up to protect my
Successes & Challenges traditional territory from
destructive mining development
and I was incarcerated for my
stand! I want fresh drinking
water for our future generations!
Darryl Sain Darryl Sainnawap
I am working towards a
doctorate degree
in Philosophy In
Intercultural studies.
Right now I am learning
about my cultural roots!
Roger Boyer
It‟s possible to have
strong roots and
strong wings. Be the
change you wish to
see!
Robert A Horton
You are our
future
leaders.
Grand Chief Phillips
Youth Portfolio
Chiefs in Ontario
9
 Elders & Traditional Knowledge Practitioners

Leadership & Environment Circle

“Learning to be leaders and stewards of our environment

from our ancient knowledge keepers”

Starting from the top and going clockwise in the circle. Youth leaders in the circle.
Elder Phyllis Shaugabay Obashkaadagaang
Elder Joseph Morrison Big Island
Elder Josephine Mandamin Wikwemikong
Elder Ken Maracle Six Nations
Elders Robin & Kathy Greene Shoal Lake # 39
Elder Yvonne Thomas Six Nations
Elder Josias Fiddler Sandy Lake
Elder Gary Sault Mississaugas of New Credit

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 Youth Leadership Workshops

This section of the report is dedicated to the memory of Elder Robin Greene who recently
passed away. The printing of his picture is done with utmost respect for his family,
healing practices and dedicated leadership. The youth in assembly were truly blessed to
have had his presence at the symposium. Elder Greene will be remembered for his
kindness, wisdom and knowledge. Chi-miigwetch!

The key lessons learned are highlighted in each of the workshops.

1. Preparing for Leadership Elders Robin & Kathy Greene

This session taught young leaders traditional leadership protocols practiced in the
anishinaabe communities.

2. Leadership & Importance of Education Seven Generations Education

Institute
Young leaders learned to be a good leader it is important to balance mainstream
education with traditional knowledge.

3. Earth Ambassadors Maheengun Shawanda

This was a highly-interactive session for “building a purpose in life” by beginning
community activities that protect Mother Earth.

4. Protecting our Family Circles Carey Calder, Native Women’s Association of

Canada
Youth leaders participated in an information session on family violence prevention.
Interested youth signed up for the “train the trainer” program offered by NWAC.
An important teaching learned “A leader protects his/her family, Nation and
Environment”

5. Living Our Law Dawnis Kennedy

To be strong stewards of the environment and its resources, young leaders
learned it is important to respect and adhere to the natural laws that govern the
environment.
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6. Healthy Leaders Bernadette deGonzague & Arnold Yellowman
Youth were taught the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Good health
is related to a healthy environment.

7. The Path We Create Jocelyn Formsma, NAN Youth Council

A power point presentation to educate the young leaders on the statistical
perception of indigenous youth and to show how historical relations with the Earth
relate to today’s situations.

8. Communications & Leadership Harmony Rice

Youth leaders learned skills to manage media to advance their issues. They also
learned strong communication skills.

9. A Vision of the Turtle Island Jacob Wawatie

An explanation why North America is called Great Turtle Island and a power point
presentation on the historical and present day use of lands and waterways on and
beneath the earth.

10. Environment & Global Justice Leadership Ben Powless

Protect Indigenous Peoples Rights and Mother Earth by networking young leaders
around the world.

11. Taking Back Your Community Ron Plain

Best practices to deal with toxic waste and extractive industries in and around your
community.

12. Leaders Model The Way Stanley Wesley

Strong young leaders are positive role models for future leaders.

13. Species at Risk Elder Gary Sault

An additional workshop on Species at Risk was scheduled to replace the second
session of Protecting Our Family Circles. Presenter had to leave to attend to an
urgent family matter.

Conference coordinators were not able to participate in the individual workshops.

Eighteen video tapes of the symposium events are currently being reviewed for
information on the workshops.

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 Youth Council Achievement Awards

The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council awarded three youth council achievement
awards to youth groups nominated for an award by their peers, communities and
organizations. The successful groups were honoured for their efforts to raise the voice of
youth, promote traditional knowledge and create environmental awareness in the Ontario
First Nations.

“Top Three Youth Councils in the Ontario First Nations”

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Youth Group

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Decade for Youth Council

Sagaate Earth Walkers Grassy Narro

Grassy Narrows Earthwalkers/Saagaate Youth Group

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 Youth Councils Recognition Awards

For raising
the voice of
youth in
the
First
Nations

The following youth councils were also recognized for their hard work and commitment to
raise the voice of youth in the First Nation communities. All these groups that received
recognition were in attendance.

1. Mishkegogamang Youth Council

2. Iskatwewizaagegan # 39 Youth Leadership Group

3. United Chiefs & Councils of Manitoulin SRC Youth Council

4. Pic River Youth Group

5. Whitefish River Youth Council

6. Curve Lake Youth Council

7. Naotkamegwanning First Nation Youth Council

8. Wabuaskang Youth Council

9. Ochii chagwe Babigoning Youth Council

10. Niisaachewan Youth Council

11. Lac La Croix Youth Council

12. Fort William First Nation Youth Council

13. Mushkegowuk Youth Council

14. Wabaseemoong Youth Council

15. Ontario Aboriginal Youth Council

OFNYPC has a network of over 70 youth councils across the Ontario First Nations.

Sustaining the Future of Our Nations Through Strategic & Resilient Leadership 14
 Recognition of Winners

Painting Raffle
(Monies raised contribute to the OFNYPC fundraising account)

Chrissy Swain

Chrissy Swain is the happy winner

Creative Environment Friendly Name Tags Winners

Left: Lynzii Tiabossigi Right: Rene Corbiere

Early Bird Draw Winners

Name First Nation

Drake Spade Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation
Crystal Dextras Ochiichagwe’Babigo’Ining Ojibway Nation
Fawn Wapioke Iskatewizaagegan # 39 Independent Nation
Sherri Mandamin Iskatewizaagegan # 39 Independent Nation
Lorne Muckuck Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation

Sustaining the Future of Our Nations Through Strategic & Resilient Leadership 15
 Entertainment
Showcasing Youth Talent

Jingle Dress Dancers Jason Smallboy

Angus Jordan Jr. Cold North Five

Wab Kinew Ryan McMahon

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Evaluation
Preliminary review of the evaluations indicated that over 95% of the participants were
pleased overall with the symposium. The following are some of the comments noted in the
evaluation forms.

What was your main learning?

“Being a leader for my community, the workshops made me a stronger youth”

What did you enjoy best?

“I liked all the different workshops we were able to go to. They were all different but had
one main theme, leadership!”

What did you least like?

“That it ends today! I don‟t like the fact that we ran on „Indian Time‟ because it cut the
speaker‟s time. But overall, it was a good symposium, very informative.”

Recommendations
A direct result is the mandate and recommendations for both the Chiefs in Ontario and the
Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council to pursue on the development and
implementation of the Chiefs of Ontario Youth Leadership Development Initiative 2009-203,
which includes the delivery and implementation of a regional wide youth leadership
initiative.

Four key recommendations are:

1. A call for the symposium to be held in the summer months;
2. More youth representatives at the symposiums; support is needed at the community
level to allow for local youth to attend;
3. The themes for the next symposium are Governance, Self Determination and Treaties.
4. First Nations Trade and Cultural Exchange.
Have each community bring a homemade item to share or trade (birch bark basket,
rattles, beadwork, moose hide mitts, snowshoes, wall painting with twigs as a frame,
etc)

A list of all the recommendations is being compiled from the video content.

Video Taping of Conference

The conference was videotaped to ensure the events were properly recorded. A review of
the videos is currently underway to extract pertinent information and to develop a CD that
will be used to provide feedback to delegates, leadership, supporters and funders. The CD
will also be a useful tool to promote youth leadership development and to secure funding for
future symposiums.

Sustaining the Future of Our Nations Through Strategic & Resilient Leadership 17
 Acknowledgement of Supporters

Thank you to our generous funders for making it possible for the Ontario First Nations
Young Peoples Council to raise the voice of young leaders in the Ontario First Nations.

TRILLIUM FOUNDATION

Thank you to the Trillium Foundation for funding the activities of the Ontario First
Nations Young Peoples Council from 2005-2009.

DREAMCATCHER FUND

Nya Wen Kowa to the Dreamcatcher Fund for your annual support. It is valued
and appreciated! The meals were fantastic!

INDIAN & NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANDADA

ENVIRONMENT UNIT

Thank you for funding our symposium. First Nations Youth look forward to a
sustainable future as emerging leaders and stewards of the environment.

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS

Thank you for supporting our 6th annual symposium on Leadership!!

Sustaining the Future of Our Nations Through Strategic & Resilient Leadership 18
 ROYAL BANK OF CANADA

A big thank to the Royal Bank of Canada for supporting all our six annual
symposiums. Your continued support is appreciated and valued.

CHIEFS IN ONTARIO

Thank you for another year of good planning and coordination.

INDIGENOUS COOPERATIVE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Thank you for sponsoring our youth!

HYDRO ONE INC.

Thank you for your generous donation and presentation

ANONOYMOUS DONORS & VOLUNTEERS

Your generous support is appreciated. You know who you are. Miigwetch!

Sustaining the Future of Our Nations Through Strategic & Resilient Leadership 19