Membertou First Nation’s newly elected chief and youth council meet for first meeting

In the boardroom of Membertou First Nation’s formation hall, the community’s newly elected chief and youth council gathered Monday for their inaugural meeting of the 2024-2025 session.

The group engaged in lively discussions on topics including volunteer opportunities, future events and their aspirations to host and participate in cultural and language teaching such as sweat lodges and youth culture camps.

Maddox Paul, a Grade 11 student and the new Youth Chief, expressed his gratitude for being given the opportunity to amplify the voices of youth in the Mi’kmaw community near Sydney, NS.

“I’m glad that the young people can trust me with the big responsibility of being a boss,” said Paul.

Man smiling — Newly elected youth chief Maddox Paul said that while he is chief, he hopes to organize more cultural activities such as fire maintenance, tipi building and traditional medicine teachings. (Sis’moqon/CBC)

He said he enjoyed the achievements of past youth leaders and councils, highlighting initiatives such as creating a school lunch program for Mi’kmaw students at Sydney Academy and holding special sensory events for youth with sensory issues.

The council will be responsible for addressing the concerns and challenges facing young people in the community.

Members are also expected to participate and volunteer at community events such as Salita and ceremonies, as well as organizing their own events and initiatives.

Young man sitting at the boardroom table — The group discussed the importance of their volunteer presence at salites – a Mi’kmaw event held after a person dies where community members donate items to be auctioned off to raise money for the grieving family. (Sis’moqon/CBC)

Mia MacDonald, a Grade 10 student and new deputy chief, said she is inspired by the work of youth councils in the past in running dances, making wreaths and helping the elderly.

“I’m looking forward to helping the seniors and being more (involved) in the community than I was before and also being a really good role model for the younger kids, that’s really important,” MacDonald said.

The girl smiling — Deputy Head of Youth Mia MacDonald is creating a program at Sydney Academy called Revitalizing our Youth where both Mi’kmaw and non-Mi’kmaw students can meet weekly to learn about Mi’kmaw language and culture . (Sis’moqon/CBC)

Jordyn Devoe, a 10th-grader on the youth council, said the new council seems naturally adept at working together.

She has a big goal to accomplish this year on the board.

“I honestly just want to create a better learning environment for future generations,” Devoe said.

Council members will learn how to propose motions and vote on initiatives for youth-led events throughout the year. They are encouraged and will be given opportunities to share their ideas or concerns with the Membertou Chief and Council.

This experience is expected to equip them with leadership skills and empower them to effectively navigate community politics.

Trennan Paul, a 10th grade student and counselor, said his passion is participating in cultural activities and that the new chief and youth council will hold workshops teaching Mi’kmaw skills — “cultural stuff here and colo, such as speaking the language. spearing workshops, fishing in general.”

Smiling teenager — Youth Councilor Trennan Paul says he was voted onto the council by his peers: “It feels pretty good to know I’m trusted.” (Sis’moqon/CBC)

The youth chief and council work within Membertou’s governance committee. As councilor holding the governance portfolio, Paul Bradley Gould will deliver the weekly youth council sessions.

He said he is looking forward to seeing what the youth council will accomplish throughout the year.

“Early on, we’ve seen that they’re eager to get involved and volunteer and they’re eager to get out into the community, put on events, and that’s good to see,” Gould said.

“I would like to see every community have a Mi’kma’ki-wide youth chief and council.”