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Réseau jeunesse des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador
First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Youth Network
Report of the 2nd First Nations
Youth Forum
August 24 to 26 2012
Château Mont-Sainte-Anne / Beaupré (Quebec)
Pepared by Mr. Serge Rock – AFNQL Regional Youth Coordinator
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 3
2. Agenda 4
3. List of Participants 7
4. Statement of Revenues and Expenditures 9
5. Roles of the First Nation Youth Network’s spokespersons 10
6. Election night 11
7. Presence and impact in the different media 12
8. Recommendations and findings 13
9. Conclusion 14
Contact details of Mr. Serge Rock - AFNQL
First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Youth Network (FNYN)
250, Place Chef Michel Laveau, suite 201, Quebec (QC) G0A 4V0
Phone: 418-842-5020 / Fax: 418-842-2660
Email: jeunes.youth@apnql-afnql.com
Website: www.reseaujeunessepn.com
2Introduction
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The 2 First Nation Youth Forum was held from August 24 to 26 2012 at Château Mont-Sainte-Anne in
Beaupré, near Quebec. Close to 80 youths from 29 communities and 9 different nations responded to the
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invitation of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Youth Network. This 2 event follows the 1 Youth
st
Forum held in August 2011 – Report on the 1 Youth Forum available on our Website:
http://bit.ly/10SHf4p
Once again this year, the planning committee saved no effort in preparing for this gathering to offer
diversity, but most of all quality presentations and workshops. Our two masters of ceremony (Caitlin
nd
Tolley and Tommy Awashish) quickly set the mood for what was in store for this 2 edition.
On the first day, we had the privilege of attending presentations designed for and by the youths. The
Youth Committees of Odanak and Mashteuiatsh drew us a picture of their committee and emphasized the
importance of having such a structure. Caitlin Tolley inspired the young audience with her presentation
called «Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow ». The day continued with Mr. Éric Cardinal who made a
presentation on the multiple aspects of communications. The projection of the documentary «Red Power
Awakening » followed and led to a discussion panel with Mr. Bernard Hervieux (SOCAM), Mrs Lise
Bastien (FNEC) and Mr. Ghislain Picard (AFNQL). This day ended with a short presentation by Institution
Kiuna, situated in Odanak. In the evening, elections were held to find a replacement for the position of
substitute spokesperson for the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Youth Network.
The second day was full of nice surprises. We started with a statement of Mr. Pierre Lepage who spoke to
us about the book «Aboriginal Peoples: Fact and Fiction ». Mrs. Micheline Bourque then spoke to us
about «Web 2.0 and the social media ». As a matter of fact, this subject prompted several reactions on
the part of the participants, given the fact that a great number of them are connected to different
tribunes. Mr. Pierre Rioux (FNQLHSSC) came to host a workshop focused on the goals which each one of
us should set for ourselves on a short, middle and long term. What is the use of dreaming if we don’t
make it happen? This day concluded with a presentation of Mr. Jean-François Côté (FNQLEDC) who spoke
about entrepreneurship among the First Nations youth. There’s time for work, and there’s the happy
time. We organized a B.B.Q. meal at the top of Mont-Sainte-Anne. The youths really enjoyed the
breathtaking view from the gondolas. To end this day, we had planned a dancing party with several
activities to entertain the participants.
For the third and last day, we were offered a presentation by Mrs. Marjolaine Thernish (FNHRDCQ) in
relation with the employment measures and the careers of the future in our communities. Mrs. Annie
Hervieux (FNQLHSSC) then spoke about youth mobilization, following the presentation of her video.
Needless to say that this screening sparked the enthusiasm of the youths and the timing was perfect to
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close this 3 forum and let the youths leave on a stimulating note.
A Brief Description of the Youth Network
The First Nation Youth Network has been in existence for more than five years now (March 2007). It was
put in place primarily to inform the youths of the First Nations, aged 15 to 35, on the different
opportunities (programs, services, projects, activities, events, training, employment, etc.) that are
available to them.
The priority goal of the Network is to help the communities establish Youth Committees to improve the
situation of their young people. The Network can easily reach 2 500 young people by email and Facebook.
We recently opened a Twitter account (August 2012) to diversify our sources of information and
transmission.
3Réseau jeunesse des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador
First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Youth Network
Ordre du jour – 2e Forum jeunesse des Premières Nations
24 au 26 août 2012
Agenda – 2nd First Nations Youth Forum
August 24-26, 2012
Château Mont-Sainte-Anne (Beaupré) – Québec / Quebec
Jeudi 23 août 2012 / Thursday, August 23, 2012
Activité / Activity Lieu / Location
Accueil et inscription des participants – activités libres / Welcome and Hall – Château Mont-
17 h – 21 h
registration of the participants – leisure time Sainte-Anne
Vendredi 24 août 2012 / Friday, August 24, 2012
7 h – 8 h 30 Déjeuner / Breakfast Salle Beauregard Room
Accueil et inscription des participants / Welcome and registration of the Hall – Château Mont-
8 h – 17 h
participants Sainte-Anne
Mot de bienvenue / Opening remarks
Prière d’ouverture / Opening prayer – Marcel Godbout - Wendake
Conseil de la Nation huronne-wendat – Grand Chef/Grand Chief Konrad Sioui
8 h 30 – 9 h 20 Salle Les Chûtes Room
APNQL / AFNQL – Chef/Chief Ghislain Picard
SAA - M. Christian Dubois – sous-ministre responsable des Affaires autochtones
Coordonnateur du RJPN / FNYN Coordinator – M. Serge Rock
Déroulement du forum / Proceedings of the forum
9 h 20 – 9 h 40 Salle Les Chûtes Room
Caitlin Tolley et/and Tommy Awashish
Qu’est-ce que le Réseau jeunesse des Premières Nations / What is the First
9 h 40 – 10 h Nations Youth Network - Serge Rock Salle Les Chûtes Room
******* Lancement TWITTER Launching ******* #FJPN-FNYF
10 h – 10 h 15 Pause santé / Health break
Les comités des jeunes dans les communautés / Youth Committees in the communities -
Serge Rock
10 h 15 – 11 h Présentation de deux comités des jeunes / Presentation by two Youth Committees Salle Les Chûtes Room
Odanak - Les débuts / The beginning
Mashteuiatsh – Le chemin parcouru / The road so far
4Vendredi 24 août 2012 / Friday, August 24, 2012 (suite/continuation)
Activité / Activity Lieu / Location
Présentation sur le leadership et l’implication / Presentation on leadership and
involvement
11 h – 12 h Caitlin Tolley « Apprenez aujourd’hui, prenez les devants demain » et/and Salle Les Chûtes Room
"Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow"
Vanessa Moar - Jeunesse Canada Monde/Canada World Youth
12 h – 13 h 15 Dîner / Lunch – Cafétéria du Mont-Sainte-Anne Cafeteria
Les multiples facettes de la communication / The multiple aspects of
13 h 15 – 15 h Salle Les Chûtes Room
communication – Éric Cardinal – Cardinal communication
15 h – 15 h 15 Pause santé / Health break
Projection du documentaire « L’éveil du pouvoir » / Projection of the
documentary "Red power awakening" – Bernard Hervieux - SOCAM Salle Les Chûtes Room
15 h 15 – 16 h 40
Panel de discussions / Panel discussions : Salle Jean-Larose Room
Bernard Hervieux - Lise Bastien – Ghislain Picard
16 h 40 – 17 h Institut Kiuna Institute - Lise Bastien - CEPN/FNEC Salle Les Chûtes Room
17 h – 18 h 30 Souper / Supper - Cafétéria du Mont-Sainte-Anne Cafeteria
*****Élection d’un porte-parole masculin du RJPN*****
18 h 30 – 20 h Salle Les Chûtes Room
*****Election of a male spokesperson of the FNYN*****
Activités sportives ou soirée libre / Sports activities or free evening Château Mont-Sainte-
20 h – 22 h
Volleyball – Piscine/Swimming pool – Vélo/Biking – Randonnée/Hiking – etc. Anne
Samedi 25 août 2012 / Saturday, August 25, 2012
7 h – 8 h 30 Déjeuner / Breakfast Salle Beauregard Room
Déroulement de la journée et retour sur le vendredi / Proceedings of the day
8 h 40 – 8 h 50 and recap of Friday Salle Les Chûtes Room
Caitlin Tolley et/and Tommy Awashish
Mythes et réalités sur les peuples autochtones /
8 h 50 – 10 h 00 Salle Les Chûtes Room
Aboriginal Peoples : Fact and Fiction – Pierre Lepage
10 h 00 – 10 h 15 Pause santé / Health break
Le Web 2.0 et les médias sociaux / Web 2.0 and the social media
10 h 15 – 12 h Salle Les Chûtes Room
Micheline Bourque
12 h – 13 h 15 Dîner / Lunch – Cafétéria du Mont-Sainte-Anne Cafeteria
Atelier de buts / Goal Development Workshop
13 h 15 – 15 h Salle Les Chûtes Room
Pierre Rioux - CSSSPNQL / FNQLHSSC
15 h – 15 h 15 Pause santé / Health break
L’entreprenariat chez les jeunes des Premières Nations / Entrepreneurship
15 h 15 – 17 h among the First Nations Youth Salle Les Chûtes Room
Jean-François Côté – CDEPNQL / FNQLEDC
17 h 30 – 19 h 30 BBQ au sommet / BBQ at the top – Mont-Sainte-Anne
20 h – 22 h Soirée dansante et DJ/ DJ and dance Salle Les Chûtes Room
5Dimanche 26 août 2012 / Sunday, August 26, 2012
Activité / Activity Lieu / Location
7 h – 8 h 30 Déjeuner / Breakfast Salle Beauregard Room
Déroulement de la journée et retour sur le samedi / Proceedings of the day and
8 h 30 – 8 h 50 recap of Saturday Salle Les Chûtes Room
Caitlin Tolley et/and Tommy Awashish
Les mesures d'emploi et les carrières d'avenir dans nos communautés /
8 h 50 – 9 h 40 Employment measures and careers of the future in our communities Salle Les Chûtes Room
Francine Buckell et/and Marjolaine Thernish - CDRHPNQ / FNQHRDC
Mobilisation des jeunes des Premières Nations / First Nations Youth mobilization
9 h 40 – 10 h Salle Les Chûtes Room
Annie Hervieux – Innu Pessamit
10 h – 10 h 10 Pause santé / Health break
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Évaluation du 2 Forum jeunesse par les participants / Evaluation of the 2
10 h 10 – 10 h 30 Salle Les Chûtes Room
Youth Forum by the participants
10 h 30 – 10 h 45 Réseautage entre les participants / Networking between the participants Salle Les Chûtes Room
10 h 45 – 11 h 15 Tirage des prix / Draw of prizes Salle Les Chûtes Room
Mots de clôture / Closing words
APNQL / AFNQL – Chef/Chief Ghislain Picard
11 h 15 – 12 h Porte-parole du RJPN / FNYN Spokesperson - Caitlin Tolley et/and Tommy Awashish Salle Les Chûtes Room
Coordonnateur du RJPN / FNYN Coordinator – M. Serge Rock
Prière de fermeture / Closing prayer – Marcel Godbout - Wendake
12 h – 13 h 15 Dîner / Lunch – Cafétéria du Mont-Sainte-Anne Cafeteria
Bon voyage de retour et merci pour votre participation!
Safe journey of return and thank you for your participation!
Please get in touch with us by email to get the presentations of the speakers
jeunes.youth@apnql-afnql.com
6List of Participants – 2nd First Nation Youth Forum
Nom / First Name Prénom / Last Name Communauté / Community
1. Ransom Victoria Akwesasne
2. ------- Konwahentawi Akwesasne
3. Benedict Theresa Akwesasne
4. Tolley Caitlin APNQL / Kitigan Zibi
5. O’Bomsawin Suzie APNQL / Odanak
6. Awashish Tommy APNQL / Wemotaci
7. Paradis Josée Cacouna
8. McGregor Tori Eagle Village
9. St-Denis Sarah Eagle Village
10. Constant Jimmy Jr. Eagle Village
11. Basile Robert-Charles Ekuanitshit
12. Mestokosho Lison Ekuanitshit
13. Levasseur-Moreau Jean Essipit
14. Ross Marie-Pier Essipit
15. Launière Dave Essipit
16. Larivière Widia FAQ / QNW
17. Fontaine Meggie FAQ / QNW
18. Syvret-Caplin Mitchell Gesgapegiag
19. Martin Kateri Gesgapegiag
20. Jeanotte-Lavallé Keven Gespeg
21. Jeanotte Tania Gespeg
22. Rice Shotehra Kahnawake
23. Jacobs Kawennahere Devery Kahnawake
24. Whyte Megan Kahnawake
25. Gabriel-Ferland Pamela Kanehsatake
26. Nolet Joshua Kanehsatake
27. Bérubé Robert Kawawachikamach
28. Shecanapish Louise Kawawachikamach
29. Einish Tamara Kawawachikamach
30. Penosway Beverly Kitcisakik
31. Penosway* Mary-Ann Kitcisakik
32. McGregor Sheldon Kitigan Zibi
33. Brennan-Chaussé Jamie Kitigan Zibi
34. Pien Randy Lac Simon
35. Cheezo Sabrina Lac Simon
36. Papatie Ann-Maybeline Lac Simon
37. Mittchell Felicia Listuguj
38. Isaac Denny Listuguj
39. Wysote* Chris Listuguj
40. Dubé Cassy Manawan
41. Flamand Adam-Nicolas Manawan
42. Moore Myriam-Kim Manawan
43. Flamand Sipi Manawan
44. Bossum Nina Mashteuiatsh
45. Connolly-Raphael Emma Mashteuiatsh
46. Paul-Ouellet Myriam Mashteuiatsh
7Nom / First Name Prénom / Last Name Communauté / Community
47. Régis Coranne Nutashkuan
48. Courtois Nico Nutashkuan
49. Tettaut Tommy Nutashkuan
50. O’Bomsawin Mathieu Odanak
51. Thompson Mandi Odanak
52. O’Bomsawin Marc-Olivier Odanak
53. Chachai Bianca Opitciwan
54. Awashish Sonny Opitciwan
55. Michel Marc-Tyler Pakua Shipu
56. Lalo-Bellefleur Marie-Stéphanie Pakua Shipu
57. Kanapé Isabelle Pessamit
58. Bacon-Hervieux Suzie Pessamit
59. Hervieux Tommy Pessamit
60. Kanapé-Fontaine Natasha Pessamit
61. Polson-Kistabish Nebis Pikogan
62. Kistabish Sophie Pikogan
63. McDougall Geneviève Pikogan
64. Fontaine Audrey RCAAQ
65. Bacon Mikael RCAAQ
66. Polson Julia Timiskaming
67. Wabie-Jamieson Nicky Timiskaming
68. Fontaine Anne Uashat mak Mani-Utenam
69. Leblanc Réal Jr. Uashat mak Mani-Utenam
70. Fontaine Enrico Uashat mak Mani-Utenam
71. Mckenzie Pinassiu Uashat mak Mani-Utenam
72. Mestenapeo Norbert Unamen shipu
73. Petiquay-Chilton Marie-Christine Wemotaci
74. Saganash Sammy-Joe Wemotaci
75. Coon-Boivin Kristina Wemotaci
76. O’Bomsawin Jennifer Wendake
77. Gros-Louis Germain Andrew Wendake
78. Gros-Louis Germain Steven Wendake
79. Rodgers Kateri Winneway
*Participants’ Companions
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In total, 79 youngsters of 28 communities from 9 different nations attended this 2 First Nation Youth Forum, that is
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to say nine (9) more than the 1 First Nation Youth Forum.
Unfortunately, there were no participants from the following communities or organizations:
1. (Abenaki) Wôlinak
2. (Algonquin) Barrière Lake – Wolf Lake / Hunter’s point
3. (Cree) Cree Nation Youth Council - CNYC
4. (Innu) Matimekush - Natuashish - Sheshashit
5. (Inuit) Saputiit Youth Association of Nunavik
8Statement of Revenues and Expenditures
2nd First Nation Youth Forum
August 24 to 26 2012 – Château Mont-Sainte-Anne/ Beaupré (Quebec)
Revenues
No. Description Amount
1 Participants’ registration (accommodations and activities)
Regroupement des Centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec - RCAAQ 600.00 $
Total revenus 600.00 $
Expenditures
No. Description Amount
1 Human Resources - Personnel, master of ceremony and volunteers 3 985.76 $
2 Office supplies 1 397.58 $
3 Accommodation and meals
Château Mont-Sainte-Anne 30 655.27 $
Station Mont-Sainte-Anne Inc. 7 651.58 $
38 306.85 $
4 Speakers
Éric Cardinal 500.00 $
Marcel Godbout 200.00 $
Pierre Lepage 500.00 $
Micheline Bourque 1 000.00 $
Bernard Hervieux 300.00 $
2 500.00 $
5 Advertising / Promotional material
SP communications 1 866.99 $
CFPAMC 115.91 $
1 982.90 $
6 Translation
Translation of documents - Aline Chéné 899.45 $
Simultaneous translation – SOCAM 6 779.25 $
7 678.70 $
7 Transportation
Location d’auto Sauvageau 902.29 $
Fuel 82.84 $
985.13 $
Sub-total 1 56 836.92 $
8 Reimbursement for community participants (transportation – meals – Accommodations)
Sub-total 2 33 243.09 $
Total expenditures (sub-total 1 + 2) 90 080.01 $
- Total revenues -600.00 $
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Total cost of the 2 First Nation Youth Forum 89 480.01 $
9Roles of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
Youth Network spokespersons and substitutes
Background
Two spokespersons, namely Caitlin Tolley from Kitigan Zibi and Stacy Bossum from Mashteuiatsh, were
selected in 2009 by a committee formed by the AFNQL for a mandate of two years, from July 2009 to
st
August 2011. Following the 1 First Nations Youth Forum that was held in August 2011, two
spokespersons where elected (Caitlin Tolley – Kitigan Zibi and Langis Fortin – Matimekush / Lac-John) and
two substitutes (Suzie O’Bomsawin – Odanak and Tommy Awashish – Wemotaci). Mister Real Junior
nd
Leblanc (Uashat mak Mani-Utenam) was elected during the 2 First Nations Youth Forum (August 2012)
after the departure of Mister Langis Fortin in June 2012.
Six roles where identified for the spokespersons and substitutes who were elected for a two year
mandate (August 2011 to August 2013):
1. Act as the spokepersons (ambassador) of the First Nations Youth Network (FNYN);
2. Sit at the National Youth Council of the Assembly of the First Nations (AFN);
3. Participate in the Chiefs Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL);
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4. Participate in the planning committee and the activities of the First Nations Youth Forum (3 edition
in 2013);
5. Support the regional youth coordinator of the AFNQL in different initiatives;
6. Encourage community involvement among the First Nations Youth.
Photo: From left to right: Caitlin Tolley (Kitigan Zibi), Suzie O’Bomsawin (Odanak), Réal Junior Leblanc
(Uashat mak Mani-Utenam) and Tommy Awashish (Wemotaci).
10Election Night
The election took place in the evening of Friday, August 24th, from 6 :30 pm to 8 :30 pm. The purpose of
this process was to find a replacement for Mr. Langis Fortin, who stepped down from his functions in June
2012, for personal reasons. It was urgent to fill the vacancy as soon as possible, and the best occasion to
nd
do so was this 2 Forum.
Six candidates showed an interest to fill the position of male spokesperson of the First Nations of Quebec
and Labrador Youth Network.
1. Andrew Gros-Louis Germain Wendat Wendake
2. Réal Junior Leblanc Innu Uashat mak Mani-Utenam
3. Robert-Charles Basile Innu Ekuanitshit
4. Shotehra Rice Mohawk Kahnawake
5. Sipi Flamand Atikamekw Manawan
6. Tommy Tettaut - withdrawal Innu Nutashkuan
Following are the technical details concerning the procedures for the elections:
Conduct of the Elections
1. Introduction of the returning officer and the four scrutineers;
2. Nominations;
3. Nomination of the candidates : a 15 minute period will be allowed to the participants to get nominated or nominate a
youth in attendance;
4. The list of nominees will be made public to the general assembly;
5. Each nominee shall, in turn, accept or refuse to be a candidate;
6. If there is more than one candidate for each position, they will have 15 minutes to prepare a 2 minute introductory
speech;
7. Thereafter, two elections will be conducted simultaneously to elect the male and the female spokespersons. The vote
shall be taken by ballot; two ballot boxes will be placed on site;
8. The ballots shall be inserted in the two ballot boxes of different colors, a blue one for the male spokesperson, and one
pink for the female spokesperson.
Time devoted to elections : approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
1. Introduction and proceedings of the evening (10 minutes).
2. Nominations (20 minutes).
3. Speeches of the candidates to become spokesperson for the Youth Network (20 minutes in total, depending on the
number of candidates, 3 minutes per candidate).
4. Elections (20 minutes).
5. Counting of the ballots (10 minutes).
6. Reporting of election results (5 minutes).
7. Speeches of the newly-elected representatives of the First Nation Youth Network (5 minutes).
This election night concluded with the election of Mr. Réal Junior Leblanc of the Innu community of
Uashat mak Mani-Utenam for a one-year term, that is to say, up until the next Youth Forum scheduled for
the summer of 2013. That is when the four posts of spokespersons for the First Nations of Quebec and
Labrador will once again be up for vote in order to fill these posts, for a two year term (August 2013 to
August 2015.
11Presence and Impact in the Different Media
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Following are some data on the complete webcast of activities linked to the 2 First Nation Youth Forum.
1. French Webcast Average number of viewers: 60,2
2. English Webcast Average number of viewers: 6,9
Web-based Forum News
Facebook – First Nation Youth Network : http://on.fb.me/WzWRnm
Secrétariat à la jeunesse - SAJ : http://bit.ly/SMqqDZ
Cardinal communication : http://bit.ly/WzXcX3
First Nations of Quebec Business Network - FNQBN – August 25 2012: In Mont-Sainte-Anne, the
coordinator of the First Nation Student Entrepreneurs’ Clubs introduces the concept of the clubs
nd
to the young participants of the 2 First Nation Youth Network Forum http://bit.ly/11WRBji
Photo: The participants in action in Les Chutes boardroom at the Château Mont-Sainte-Anne
12Recommendations in Preparation for the 3rd Youth Forum
Obtain the flight numbers (Fax from the communities) from the participants to facilitate the
organization of their transportation at their arrivals and departures.
Ensure that the youths, prior to leaving their communities, have sufficient amounts of money for
their meals while travelling and for the taxi to commute to the Forum’s location.
Obtain the presentations in the two languages if possible (PowerPoint and other formats) in
advance for the translators.
Forward the presentations in the speakers’ two languages to all the participants before and/or
after the Forum.
Announce the webcast on the posters advertising the 3rd Youth Forum. Moreover, the webcast
must be more interactive during the event by integrating, for example, a vox populi component
(ask the youths for their impressions while on site).
Prepare a list of the documents and articles which we will insert in the participants’ bags.
Allow more time for the dancing part of the evening in order to favour exchanges between the
youths.
Include more cultural activities during the Forum’s proceedings.
Insert the complete menu (meals) in the participant’s book.
Organize a guided tour of the city where the Youth Forum will take place.
Make sure to have more activities, workshops and interactive presentations (creative animation
technique) during the Forum.
Invite young Aboriginals from outside of Canada (Peru – Bolivia – etc.) or even Quebec’s
aboriginal student organizations.
Organize ice-breaker activities with the participants as soon as they arrive.
Open a LinkedIn account to increase our presence in the social media.
Prepare a master plan with all the information pertaining to the 3rd Forum’s logistics in order to
facilitate the spokespersons’ work (six copies).
Recommendations for the communities
It is of the utmost importance that the band council or the youth committee (if there is one)
proceed with a briefing to prepare all the participants before leaving for the Youth Forum.
Implement a structure for a provincial First Nations youth forum to better serve the Nations that
do not have regional youth forums. (The Crees and Inuits have their own regional youth forums,
which is not the case for the other nine nations in the Quebec region).
Find a way to create a youth center in each of the communities, if at all possible.
Obtain funding to hire a sports and recreation coordinator in each of the communities.
Obtain funding to hire a youth coordinator (The equivalent of a citizens’ participation officer in
Quebec’s regional youth forums).
13Conclusion
To close off, it is clear that the First Nations’ youths need to gather and discuss the issues which concern
them. The Youth Forum is an ideal venue to exchange and network. Once again, we realized it this year.
This event is gaining in popularity if we consider the statistics. We greeted no less than 79 youths from 28
communities and 9 different nations.
As coordinator, I was again able to rely on a competent and experienced planning committee this year. I
wish to thank the following people and organizations for their involvement: Diane McGregor (AFNQL),
Mélanie Vincent (AFNQL), Eve Bastien (FNEC), Suzie O’Bomsawin (FNYN), Caitlin Tolley (FNYN), Tommy
Awashish (FNYN) and Langis Fortin (FNYN). The network was able to rely, again, on exceptional partners
to bring this event to a successful outcome for the youth, that being the Assembly of the First Nations of
Quebec and Labrador(AFNQL), the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) and the First Nations of Quebec
and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC). It must also be mentioned that this
event was made possible thanks to the financial contribution of the Secrétariat à la jeunesse (SAJ) and the
Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones (SAA), by way of the « stratégie d’action jeunesse 2009-2014 ».
During this forum, we had the opportunity to attend conferences, presentations and to take part in
workshops, which were all interesting. We involved the youths from Odanak (the beginnings) and from
Mashteuiatsh (the road travelled) when time came to underline the importance of having a youth
committee in the communities. I wish to thank all the speakers for having been able to communicate and
share their vast experience, in various domains, with the participants. Again this year, we invited a few
organizations, mainly First Nation regional organizations to come and present their programs and services
to the young participants. Thank you to the following organizations: Kiuna Institution in collaboration with
the First Nations Education Council (FNEC), the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic
Development Commission (FNQLEDC), the First Nations of Quebec Human Resources Development
Commission (FNQHRDC), the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services
Commisssion (FNQLHSSC), Quebec Native Women (QNW) and finally the Regroupement des centres
d’amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ). One of the forum’s most beautiful moments was the election
night and the appointment of Mr. Réal Junior Leblanc. He thus completes the spokespersons’ team to the
benefit of the Youth Network and the youth.
In summary, this second edition allowed us to gain even more experience in the field of event planning.
However, no event is perfect, the youth being unanimous on the poor quality of the meals. We can
already say that we will pay close attention to the meals during the 3rd forum. Moreover, many youths
informed us that the presentations were interesting, but not sufficiently interactive. We will try to include
activities that are more dynamic at the next event. Above all, it is important to mention that the
satisfaction rate, following the youths’ evaluation, has surpassed all our expectations. We are satisfied
and ready to renew the experience for the next edition (First Nations’ 3rd Youth Forum). Thank you to
each and everyone of you for your participation and your direct or indirect involvement!
Serge Rock
AFNQL Regional Youth Coordinator
First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Youth Network (FNYN)
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