NAN Decade for Youth team to deliver health and resiliency youth programs in 10 First Nations

 NAN press releases

NAN Launches Youth Resiliency Project

THUNDER BAY, ON Thursday July 24, 2008: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief RoseAnne Archibald together with the NAN Decade for Youth and Development department today launched a new project designed to enhance the health and resilience of Nishnawbe Aski youth.

“Our goal with the NAN Youth Resiliency Project is to encourage youth to live healthy lifestyles and to take on more active roles in their communities,” said NAN Deputy Grand Chief RoseAnne Archibald. “By being more involved, Nishnawbe Aski youth are raising their self-esteem, building pride in themselves and their communities.”

The NAN Youth Resiliency Project includes the Girl Power and Wolf Spirit programs that promote strategies to foster effective education, promote positive behaviour and promote lasting health practices. Girl Power (for young women) and Wolf Spirit (for young men) are aimed at youth between 8-15 years of age and will be delivered in 10 Nishnawbe Aski communities this year through the NAN Decade for Youth and Development department.

Twenty NAN youth will be trained to deliver these programs in their home communities over the next two years. Programming will be developed by youth to fit the needs of each community, including workshops on traditional practices such as hunting, fishing and trapping, developing recreation activities, seminars on nutrition, community kitchens, as well as traditional arts and crafts.

“We are very excited about this unique project as it will allow youth to create their own activities in partnership with the NAN Decade for Youth and Development department and the leadership of the communities,” said NAN Decade for Youth and Development Coordinator Catherine Cheechoo. “This will create a stronger, happier generation of leaders who will build healthier communities that embrace and strengthen our culture.”

NAN Decade for Youth is a 2001 initiative declaring an entire decade to empowering and mentoring youth within NAN territory. The NAN Decade for Youth & Development youth empowerment strategy is a blueprint for action that encourages youth development in Nishnawbe Aski communities in priority areas of political participation, economic participation, social participation, and cultural participation.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities within James Bay Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 territory – an area covering two-thirds of the province of Ontario.

For more information please contact Michael Heintzman, Media Relations Officer – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (807) 625 4906 or (807) 621 2790 mobile.

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NAN TO LAUNCH YOUTH RESILIENCY PROJECT

Wednesday July 23, 2008 

THUNDER BAY, ON:  Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief RoseAnne Archibald together with the NAN Decade for Youth and Development department will launch a new project designed to enhance the health and resilience of Nishnawbe Aski youth at an event in Thunder Bay today.

  DATE:  Thursday July 24, 2008

  TIME:  10:30 a.m.

  LOCATION:  Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Main Boardroom
     710 Victoria Avenue East, 3rd Floor
     (Victoriaville Mall – Centennial Square entrance)
     Thunder Bay, ON

The NAN Youth Resiliency Project includes the Girl Power and Wolf Spirit programs that promote strategies to foster effective education, promote positive behaviour and promote enduring health practices. Girl Power (for young women) and Wolf Spirit (for young men) are aimed at youth between 8-15 years of age and will be delivered in 10 Nishnawbe Aski communities this year through the NAN Decade for Youth and Development department.

NAN Decade for Youth is a 2001 initiative declaring an entire decade to empowering and mentoring youth within NAN territory.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities within James Bay Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 territory – an area covering two-thirds of the province of Ontario.

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For more information please contact:

Michael Heintzman
Media Relations Officer
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
(807) 625 4906
(807) 621 2790 (mobile)