By Cheyanne Peet Mille Lacs Band Member
Students needed to help steer the program — and our communities
The Ge-niigaanizijig Youth Assembly was created so the program’s services can be more youth-centered. We value their voices and want their input to guide decisions — not only about the program, but the changes they want to see in their communities. The youth have visions for themselves and their communities, and we can use this as a platform to meet their preferences, needs, and values. Youth will gain leadership skills that they can use throughout their lives.
It is my personal goal to make this a life-long leadership experience for youth as a whole so that we are able to better serve all youth in our communities.
By increasing the level of youth engagement, we can optimize our services to enhance the development of our youth. Through this assembly, we can continually and actively make this program youth-centered. The services that are offered will be respectful and responsive to the youth preferences, needs, and values. Their input will help us meet the needs of all youth.
As a community, we need to believe in the capacity of our youth and create opportunities for them to lead, where they will feel valued. Not only will their voices be heard and used to guide decisions, but we want it to challenge them and prepare them for the next stage of their lives. We will provide support, structure, and resources to help manifest their visions. Overall, the main goals of this assembly are to be youth-led, have consistent structured meetings, build community, and offer a safe space for youth to be themselves while we plan, implement, and reflect on meaningful projects.
The Ge-niigaanizijig Youth Assembly is for youth in all districts. Currently, we have 10 youth that sit on this assembly.
— Aleah Hill lives in District II and attends Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy.
— Jazmyne Skinaway lives in District II and attends Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy.
— Mercedes Misquadace lives in District II and attends Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy.
— Chinoodin Weyaus lives in District II and attends Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy.
— Joaquin Fineday-Skinaway lives in District II and attends Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy.
— Ronnie Weyaus lives in District II and attends Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy.
— Jordan Sayers lives in District IIa and attends Isle Public School.
— Jayden Sayers lives in District IIa and attends Isle Public School.
— Shaylynn DeCoteau lives in District II and attends McGregor Elementary.
— Evelyn Weyaus lives in District II and attends Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy.
The youth in our assembly have powerful and passionate voices. They joined because they wanted to be a good role model, use their voices in a positive way, create change in their communities, or just try something new. They value things like family, love, spirituality, bravery, curiosity, acceptance, and accomplishment. We look forward to seeing what they will do with this platform and the path that they will create for themselves and the youth that follow.
If there are any youth who are interested in joining the Ge-niigaanizijig Youth Assembly, we still have positions vacant. Youth need to be enrolled in the program, but staff will gladly work with the families to complete the application process. It is open for youth ages 9-20 until all positions are filled. If anyone is interested, they should contact Cheyanne Peet, DII Coordinator and Youth Assembly Coordinator. Cell: 320-362-1608. Email: Cheyanne.Peet2@millelacsband.com.