AFN National Youth Council
The AFN National Youth Council (AFN NYC) operates as a 20-member council with First Nation youth from each of the 10 AFN regions (each region has one male and one female representative). This national body, based within the structure of the AFN, represents First Nation youth across the country on issues that impact them on a daily basis. The Council provides insight to the many committees and working groups, as well as the AFN Secretariat.
Key Issues and Activities
The AFN NYC has had an active year. Youth participation has ensured that AFN’s efforts are more reflective of youth values and perspectives.
IndigenACTION
The AFN NYC continues to play a key role in this initiative. The AFN NYC has participated in the planning and delivery of each of the roundtables that have taken place. The Council is eager to continue working on IndigenACTION as it moves into the next phase of working towards implementation of the recommendations made in the report from the roundtable dialogues.
Income Assistance – Active Measures
The AFN NYC was integral in the development of a toolkit that aims to decrease the number of First Nation youth who are overly dependent on income assistance as a means of financial stability. The AFN NYC provided input through two focus groups as well as in the development and promotion of the toolkit. The AFN NYC is now exploring approaches that will enhance the engagement of the targeted audience for the toolkit.
Citizenship
The AFN NYC has made a significant contribution to the ongoing discussion of citizenship within our First Nation communities. They have participated in the planning of the virtual forums that have taken place as well as lending a strong voice to discussions, including the National Forum on First Nation Citizenship, that demonstrates the interest and role that First Nation youth across the country have on this issue.
Tri-Council
The AFN NYC has been engaged with both the Women’s and Elders Councils in developing a Tri-Council Strategy that will enhance the ability of the Councils to offer their advice and insight on the various issues addressed by the AFN. The work on this strategy is ongoing and will be presented at the Annual General Assembly.
To better facilitate this endeavor, Resolution 01/2011: Coordination and Support for the Youth, Women’s and Elders Councils looks to secure consistent and increased funding as well as a common point of coordination for the Councils within the AFN Secretariat.
Youth Summit
A request for proposals was sent out nationally for a host and coordination of the 4th National First Nations Youth Summit. Saskatoon has been selected as the host city and work has begun on planning and fundraising for the summit.
Next Steps - Moving Forward
- Successful delivery of the 4th National First Nations Youth Summit which is scheduled for October 2012, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
- Implementing the recommendations made in the IndigenACTION report from the concluded roundtables.
- Continuing the implementation of the Tri-Council Strategic Plan.
- Continuing to engage First Nation youth who are affected by income assistance and moving towards the goal of vastly decreasing the numbers of First Nation youth who are dependent on income assistance as a means of financial stability.
