Our Land

Our Future

A Statement From Fort Nelson First Nation Youth Who We Are As First Nation Youth: We are proud to be First Nations youth, we are proud of where we come from and proud to represent our community and will be proud to represent our traditions and stories. We are proud that as First Nations people we understand nature in a way that no one else does, that if we respect nature, it will respect us. We know that as First Nations youth we are inheriting our parents and ancestors responsibilities for the land and our people. We are proud that as a people our ancestors have survived and overcome terrible adversities of the past and have grown in strength and resilience. We are grateful that although terrible things have been experienced by our elders, they have maintained a heart for close family and community. We are proud of our communities, however we recognize that at times stereotypes exist from those who live outside of our communities, believing that our communities are unsafe. Our desire is that our communities have a welcoming environment so others can experience who we are and so we have more opportunities for economic benefit. We realize that we are fortunate for the opportunities that come into our community through our Band, Industry and Government which pave the way for education and jobs. We want to make the best out of these privileges so we are abled to live life differently than what our parents and grandparents. We want to use these opportunities to build genuine prosperity for those who will come behind us. What We Want To See: We want to be people who are environmentally conscious and see resources developed in a way that will reduce environmental impact. We want to be leaders in renewable resource development and protectors in the conservation of non- renewable resources (water and air) and vital resources like forests, plants, and lands. We want our communities to be beautiful with flowers. We want to protect our environment and be responsible by recycling and limiting the use of our resources. We want communities free of crime, abuse, addiction, and fear. Fear hurts us all by reducing trust, which limits our ability to move forward. To end fear we need to address bullying, judgement of each other, prejudice, and threats to physical safety. We want to be people who are known as genuine Warriors – leaders willing to stand up for a good cause. We want to excel in education at all levels, from early childhood through to adults. We believe that through education we can create jobs that blend technical and traditional ways. We want communities where our culture is genuinely seen as important and celebrated. We want to understand the elder’s teaching of hunting, language, drumming, plants, and animals. We want our elders to help us validate the traditional teachings of how plants are connected to animals, how nature is connected to us, and how we are all connected to the land. We want to have a multicultural centre at the heart of our community where elders pass down tradition, knowledge, and cultural teachings through talking circles and stories. We want greater importance of language and culture placed in our secondary education programs. We want to value and protect our historical sites and settlements, and we believe we can protect and create additional opportunity in revenue and employment for the community through things like eco-tourism. We want our community to have healthy opportunities for people to participate in, including traditional seasonal activities, and winter activities that get people together and active. We recognize that the more people who are active and doing things together, the more they move away from dysfunction. We want to support those in our communities who want to escape cycles of dysfunction. We want to expand education opportunities in our schools in order to draw additional students, this will increase resources and lead to more subject options. We want all people to have access to education including higher education for all who aspire to it, and we want more people to aspire to it. We want to advance in technical skills so we can take advantage of opportunities coming our way, and so we can enhance our community and country for decades to come. We want all people to understand that we work for what we have, that life isn’t handed to us. We want to be recognized as responsible with what we have and that we create and utilize opportunities that come our way. What We Will Do: We understand that history is dictated by those who act, not just talk. As First Nation youth we have the ability to act. We hear and respect the voice of our elders and leaders, and want our voice to be heard, respected, and acted on as well. Follow through is vital so that we know our voice is genuinely important. We know that we are responsible to overcome hopelessness, doubt, and fear that often leads to addiction and abuse that can paralyze communities. We can and will move beyond this by no longer settling for average or lacking motivation, but by being self reliant and not being hindered by racism and prejudice. Problems of the past will not be an excuse or hold us back, but will make us stronger and better equipped to face future challenges. We will treat each other fairly, and work to give everyone a chance to participate in the opportunities that come our way. By extending the ability to participate in education, training, and employment, all our people will have the opportunity to move forward. And for those who do not choose to move forward, we will not look down on them but be an example for them to follow when they are ready. We want to have greater incentive to stay in school, including better understanding of why we should continue post secondary education and what is needed for it. Incentive is not always monetary, but is increased when we understand the opportunities we have. Incentive is enhanced through mentors who provide understanding of what to do and inspiration and guidance to continually move forward. Mentors within our communities and schools and outside of our community are important to us. We realize that although we may be isolated by geography which can limit our health and education resources, by working together and using opportunities coming our way, we can be leaders in these areas rather than followers. We will create an expectation from those who want to do business with us that we want to be partners in development. We want commitment to investment in our people and community, rather than us feeling that others are only interested in our resources and not our people. We will build on our unity and seize educational opportunities because we recognize that this leads to jobs, jobs lead to stability, and stability leads to healthier communities. We understand that money doesn’t equal happiness but it can expand choices and opportunities. We know that the most important things in life are family, friends, and community and we will take time to build these. We, with the help of our elders, will build on the sacred teaching of our ancestors and faith in the Creator for guidance. We will use these teachings as the foundation for advancement in our people and our community.

Created by Fort Nelson First Nation Youth, assisted by Chalo School Education leaders and Jack Toth, sponsored by Black Diamond Corporation, April 14, 2014