James Smith Youth Action Council

James Smith Youth Action Council

This first nation has a present population of 3,412, with the on-reserve population estimated to be at 1,892 members. The original language spoken is Cree. James Smith Cree Nation lands are situated on the south and north side of the Saskatchewan River on the south side there are fertile lands for farming and the north side of the river there are forestry lands for hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering.

I am.. Skye Blue Sanderson from James Smith Cree Nation I m 25 years old, Married with 3 children. I became a mother at a very young age, I didn t have the best childhood growing up. I was constantly surrounded by alcohol in the home. I was a victim of sexual assault. Age 14, my mom made a decision to start her Sobriety Journey, She left the toxic marriage & she is now an Addiction Counsellor. I graduated in 2011 from Bernard Constant Community School. My mothers sobriety has impacted my life in so many ways. I started getting involved with community wellness & volunteering my time doing youth activities, dances & events. I want the youth to have what I didn t have growing up in the reserve. And that is..

On December 15, 2015, The Youth of James Smith held elections for a Jr Chief & Council. A total of 122 youth from James smith ages 13-30 went to vote at James smith youth center. Polls were closed at 6pm, the count 7pm.

Our Youth Action Council Members with Elder Mervin Burns We are the James Smith Youth Action Council. An Aboriginal group of youth leading youth and providing programs, events, and services for youth up to 30 years old. We are located in the community of James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. We are made up of a Chief, Vice- Chief, Council Members, Secretary, Treasurer, and Community Support.

Over the months we gained big funding Support from James Smith Health Clinic -Mike Marion Wahkotowin Family Services -Joan Constant Tri Nations Convenience Store -Harold Burns James Smith Cree Nation Band -Chief Wally Burns Peter Chapman Band -Chief Robert Head Chakastaypasin Band -Chief Calvin Sanderson With the help from our community, We were able to host many successful events for the youth. Our main focus was suicide prevention in our community.

Some of the Events & Trips we had throughout the 2 years Youth Conference Voices of the North Show Case Valentines Day Dance

Game Nights- We have a good turn out with boys Ages 14-25 yrs of age. Prom- Youth always seem to enjoy a night of dancing. Easter Break- We played board games, watched movies play game consoles in the school library & always want to make sure the youth & kids are fed, so we provided a meal every day during the Easter break.

We hosted a Pride Dance. Invited people far & wide. We had many visitors. We wanted to acknowledge our twospirited youth & community members, who were scared to come out & be themselves.

Volunteering at Telemiracle Volunteering offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. It provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge in which these Youth need.

We held a Youth Love Yourself camp in Candle Lake, Sk. We had sessions on Addictions, Lateral Violence, Loss of Control, Crystal Meth, role of a female, role of a young man programming & sharing circles. For fun we took the girls zip-lining & the boys paint balling.

To keep funds flowing, we host fundraisers in the community. We bought our own DJ Equipment to save on costs because dances are a big thing in our community. We also allow those who wish to practise to use the equipment so they can pursue their dreams in music & allow them to DJ at our prom dances.

Our other focus is Family because Doing things as a family helps the life of a child & boosts the mental health of children. It encourages communication between children and parents, which can grow higher self-esteem and confidence in them.

Why are we Involved? The more we give, the happier we feel. I feel better when I know I'm doing something right to give back to the youth of my community. We all Matter!! Being involved allows us to use our skills to make a positive difference and to further develop the skills we have. We find that we develop self-confidence while promoting worthwhile activities and that we are needed and valued in our community. Also the satisfaction and pride that comes from helping others is a good reason to be involved.