Beginning Steps |
During these youth-led events, that electric energy was pulsating. Conversations about creating a platform to give this energy a direction, longevity, and sustainability quickly became the goals. The importance of creating an initiative became evident. This led us to join MakeWay’s Charitable Society Shared Platform, a platform that has supported other amazing and innovative Northern and Indigenous-led initiatives such as Western Arctic Youth Collective. Next, WAYC formed a steering committee of youth who are based in and connected to the Western Arctic. The steering committee’s role is necessary to continue guiding the direction and growth of the work of WAYC as we realize that not any one of us could be the sum of Western Arctic youth experiences. The steering committee listens to what youth voices are saying, and guides how we could move forward collectively to best support our community. | |
During that time I took a step back from land-based work, but I continued to stay connected with others involved in this type of work. After I left, the momentum didn’t stop. There is now a steering committee created; made up of community members of the Western Arctic in late 2020. I am excited to see how the Collective grows.
Moving Forward...
Wade Vaneltsi
I became a member of the WAYC steering committee in October 2020. So far I’ve participated in an on the land steering committee retreat outside of Inuuvik/Inuvik to get well-acquainted with the rest of the committee members, faculty, and facilitators; as well as to contribute meaningfully in guiding the visions and potentials of WAYC forward. During the first couple days of the retreat, the topics we discussed while brainstorming what would become our guiding principles made me reminisce of the days when I attended university for my certification of Indigenous Self-Determination in Theory and in Practice. By having these discussions at the on the land retreat, it definitely brought back this energy of resurgence and self-determination, which really fuelled the drive for the overall conversations throughout every topic during the retreat. I have a lot of hope for WAYC’s future, especially seeing how far we’ve come since being formed. |
The land is what brings all the ideas together and upholds the conversation. I feel the land informs WAYC because of how everything on the land, plant or animal, has a lesson for us to learn and wisdom to pass on. I feel that everything is connected in a spiritual way and there was a relationship built on a reciprocity of love in the past that we need to reestablish with these vessels of the land, whether it be a plant or animal. Being able to be open about what you want to see happen, as well as the Collective’s dedication and passion to making that opportunity a reality for other youth in the Western Arctic, is very admirable in all aspects.
It feels that with all the different on the land programs that we’ve discussed at WAYC, I can foresee how these ideas promote community-based actions that shift the ways of learning and thinking among youth, specifically for those youth who are willing to try land skills that are closer to home and something they’ve always wanted to learn.
At the steering committee retreat, we identified our guiding values to be mental wellness, education, cultural values and knowledge, community empowerment, and collective mentorship. With the guiding principles we have established, I see WAYC employing Indigenous worldviews, orientating knowledge creation opportunities for our youth and their communities, and living our responsibilities as the future leaders of our communities as directed almost exclusively towards our community and nation.
At the steering committee retreat, we identified our guiding values to be mental wellness, education, cultural values and knowledge, community empowerment, and collective mentorship. With the guiding principles we have established, I see WAYC employing Indigenous worldviews, orientating knowledge creation opportunities for our youth and their communities, and living our responsibilities as the future leaders of our communities as directed almost exclusively towards our community and nation.
One of the best things about WAYC’s on the land programs is the loving involvement of Elders. Each Elder passes down teachings differently and their wisdom comes in many ways, such as, oral teachings, storytelling, songs, dreams, reflections, sharing, observations, and most importantly, modelling all the teachings that were passed down to them when they were young. There’s something so wholesome about the way Indigenous knowledge and practices are passed on to each generation. Self-determination is what’s needed for us to go about with achieving the goals we have set out for the steering committee. Our purpose is to empower our northern youth to be change makers by providing a platform of youth-led collaborative initiatives and partnerships in their communities, and to partner with other like-minded groups in the North.
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As for myself, I know in my heart that self-determination means I can make a change for myself, my family, my community, and my nation in a positive way by learning my Gwich’in values, cultures, protocols, and beliefs. So, let us bring our ancestors with us on our journey to making a positive change for our nation. In the end, it is the youth that we are here for. To set an example that will echo in their futures and in their communities, it is up to each and every one of us to recognize, practice, and value Indigenous resurgence while understanding what the risks and responsibilities of this recognition means to our people.
- Wade Vaneltsi
The Western Arctic Youth Collective is a grant recipient of the NWT On The Land Collaborative. “WAYC strives to create opportunities to prepare and support ongoing development to improve the lives of youth ages 18-35 years old. The purpose of this collective is to empower youth to be changemakers by providing a platform of youth-led collaborative initiatives and partnerships in their communities.”(https://makeway.org/blog/shared-platform-project-spotlight-western-arctic-youth-collective/)
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