FNHC: Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey 2018 Youth Leaders Program

The FNHC is now accepting applications for First Nation leaders aged 16 to 30 years to participate in the inaugural Youth Leaders Program at Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey IX, May 15-17, 2018. There are 10 spots available – one male and one female from each BC region. The 10 Youth Leaders selected will be asked to address an audience of 700 First Nation leaders and health leads from across BC.

As we have heard from many, the voice of youth is vitally important to the work we have in front of us. The Youth Leaders Program is an opportunity for aspiring First Nation leaders from across BC to attend the Gathering Wisdom forum, learn from the leaders around them, and take part in a provincial level dialogue on the health and wellbeing of First Nations in BC.

Who is a Youth Leader?

A youth leader is a positive role model and a health and wellness champion in their community. A youth leader is ready to represent the views of their peers and is willing to share their own perspectives on challenges they see in their communities. A youth leader is a champion for positive change and lives the values of respect, discipline, relationships, culture, excellence and fairness.

What will you do as a Youth Leader?

The 10 Youth Leaders selected will be asked to attend and actively participate in the 3-day Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey forum. On the first day of the forum, the 10 Youth Leaders will be introduced to the Chiefs in Assembly. On the final day of the forum, the 10 Youth Leaders will be asked to offer closing comments. Throughout the forum, Youth Leaders will convene as a group to share what they have learned, and prepare for their speaking opportunity on the last day. This is an opportunity for the 10 Youth Leaders to offer their own reflections on the forum, their hopes for the future, and recommendations for further engagement with youth in these discussions.

Why apply?

The 10 Youth Leaders selected will receive an all-expense paid trip to Vancouver for the Gathering Wisdom forum on May 15-17, 2018, including travel, accommodation and meals. In addition, the 10 Youth Leaders will receive a health and wellness prize package for their participation in the forum. Most importantly, the 10 Youth Leaders will have the opportunity to connect directly with First Nation leaders from across BC, and represent the voices of First Nation youth at the largest Indigenous health and wellness conference in the country.

Application and Selection Process

How to apply?

To apply, please submit an application by Thursday, April 19, 2018.

Applications are submitted online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GWIX-YouthApplication.

Requirements

• Youth aged 16-30 years are eligible to apply
• Must be enrolled in high school, or have completed Grade 12
• Must have volunteer and leadership experience
• Experience mentoring youth is an asset
• Active participation in cultural activities is an asset
• Must demonstrate community engagement and involvement
• One reference from a non-family member (brief statement in MS Word or PDF including contact information)
• Availability to attend 3-day forum in Vancouver, May 15, 16, 17, 2018
• Be comfortable with publicly speaking to an audience of 700 attendees

Selection Process

• To be accepted, candidates must show they meet the requirements listed above
• A maximum of 10 youth candidates will be accepted – one female and one male from each of the five BC regions
• Candidates will be accepted based on their submitted applications and relevant experience, ensuring fair representation from across BC
• Candidates with completed applications will be reviewed by Gathering Wisdom event organizers as they are received, up to April 19, 2018
• Accepted candidates will be notified no later than Thursday, April 26, 2018

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