Media.Knet.Ca

Two new youth wellness workers have been hired to develop programming to promote leadership skills, self esteem and physical activity among Aboriginal youth in Kashechewan. Hired from within the community, the wellness workers will collaborate with youth to develop programs, and provide tools and mentoring to help them reach their full potential.  

Ontario and Kashechewan First Nation joined together in this initiative to inspire and motivate Aboriginal youth through recreation. The program responds to calls from the community to provide intervention and prevention programs to support youth in crisis.

QUOTES

"This is an important community-based project demonstrating how Ontario is responding to the needs of Aboriginal youth. The youth wellness workers will engage the youth and increase their self-confidence, provide a positive sense of identity and improve their social and emotional growth."
 – Chris Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

"Sport and recreation programs improve the quality of life of youth. The youth wellness workers in Kashechewan will enrich the lives of Aboriginal youth in building capacity for health and wellness, self-esteem and confidence, as well as being role models for youth in their communities."
 – Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion and Sport

"The well-being of youth is a priority for Kashechewan First Nation. I am pleased that we have been able to partner with Ontario to hire two Youth Wellness Workers in the community. Youth from my community frequently raise recreational opportunities and sports as a priority and I look forward to building our partnership."
 – Chief Jonathan Solomon, Kashechewan First Nation

"To the kids in Kashechewan First Nations and kids in remote areas across Northern Ontario, our message to you is that we believe in you, in your promise, in your future. Investments like this are just one of the many ways we are working with communities and leadership to do more than ever to support you."
 – Laurel Broten, Minister of Children and Youth Services