The newly-formed Inuvik Native Band Youth Council (INBYC) is in the process of planning its
first events.
Samantha McKay/NNSL photo
According to the INBYCSA国际影视传媒檚 mission statement, its goal is to SA国际影视传媒渃reate positive opportunities that
encourage growth, leadership and confidence by delivering or promoting programs that facilitate
healthy lifestyles based on traditional values and well-being for the youth and elders in the
肠辞尘尘耻苍颈迟测.SA国际影视传媒�
The council, which was formed Jan. 15, currently has five members: Trevor Charlie, who is
originally from Fort McPherson but has been living in Inuvik for 10 years; Mariyah Snowshoe,
who is Teetlit GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n; Jayda Sittichinli, who is also a member of the Inuvik Drummers and
Dancers; Rhonda-Lee Cardinal, who is GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n; and Ashley Okrainec, who is of GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n,
Polish, Ukrainian, and English descent.
Snowshoe, Cardinal, and Charlie attended the Inuvik Native Band (INB) annual general
assembly Sunday, Feb. 4, where the creation of the youth council was highlighted as a promising
new initiative within the INB.
In Chief Lawrence NeyandoSA国际影视传媒檚 report, he mentioned the importance of engaging the INBSA国际影视传媒檚 youth
and elder members.
SA国际影视传媒淲e also have the intention in this new year to engage our youth and elder members,SA国际影视传媒� Neyando
said. SA国际影视传媒淪pecifically, to show that they are very much valued for the promise for the future, and the
solid history and knowledge that can be shared and forever built upon.SA国际影视传媒�
Snowshoe said in the INBYCSA国际影视传媒檚 preliminary research, they found that the top five issues for
elders and youth in Inuvik are alcohol and drug abuse, bullying of youth and elders, the health
system, education, and housing/homelessness.
SA国际影视传媒淲hat weSA国际影视传媒檙e going to try to do is create activities and promote them so we can implement
healthy living and fun events while giving them the resources they need to deal with these
issues,SA国际影视传媒� Snowshoe said. SA国际影视传媒淭hatSA国际影视传媒檚 where weSA国际影视传媒檙e starting from right now.SA国际影视传媒�
Cardinal said theySA国际影视传媒檙e currently in the process of putting together their first events. She said they
donSA国际影视传媒檛 have many resources yet, so theySA国际影视传媒檙e going to start by drawing from the skills of council
members, such as sewing and playing guitar.
The council also plans to hold sharing circles at the school.
