Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag (Hear Us Youth)

As a like-minded collective, Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag (Hear Us Youth) brings everything they have to the table to establish a solid foundation for future members. The purpose of Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag is to provide feedback and support to Tikinagan’s Board and staff to ensure the youth have a voice and to make things better for the children and youth in Tikinagan’s 30 First Nation Communities.

We are growing and still accepting youth to join the team! Submit your application below!

Our Mission: to provide opportunities for children and youth currently and formerly in care from Tikinagan’s 30 First Nation communities including: opportunities to speak up and share concerns, ideas, and vision for themselves; opportunities to engage with other youth; and to help guide Tikinagan’s mandate.

Our Vision: to be the voice of the children and youth in care from Tikinagan’s 30 First Nation communities.

Our Values Leadership, Mobilization, Inspiration, Opportunities & Experience, Mentorship, Be Heard, Advocating, Safe Space, and Skills Development.

ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓯᐃᐧ ᐅᑕᐱᑕᒪᑫᐠ Youth Council

Ty Strang, Poplar Hill

“Hi, my name is Tyleen Strang but people call me Ty for short and I’m from Poplar Hill First Nation. I am 19 years old and I never thought I’d make it to this age, but I made it and am really proud of myself. I was 5 when I first went into care and I absolutely hated being in care for a long time. Now that I’m older and know a lot more, I realized that Tikinagan had helped me a lot and made me into a person that I thought I’d never see. I am proud of the person I have become today, but I still have days where I struggle — who doesn’t? It’s not easy growing up away from family and being separated, especially when you lose your language. It gets tough at times. Most days I’ve had people supporting me and they kept pushing until I finally let them. I’m glad they did because it showed me that people cared and that there are good people out there. I’ve learned lots and am stilling learning. Woohoo to making it this far. Even if I don’t know you, you’re doing it and keep going. Though days may get rough, just know that there is always someone there to listen to you.”

Memekwe Apetawakeesic Morriseau, Weagamow Lake

“Hello! I’m Memekwe Morriseau from Weagamow Lake! I’ve joined the council in hopes of bettering the system for those who are in care. I’ve had friends and family tell me about their experiences within the foster care system, I’d like to take a part in changing that.

The Council itself is nothing but welcoming, I’ve developed some good relationships with the others. We joke around a lot and help each other at times. I’m sure that every person who joins will find themselves laughing with us!!”

Memekwe has produced artwork for Tikinagan, including the Niigaanshkaawin and Neegaan Inabin logos, as well as the winning image for the Anti-Bullying campaign in 2020.

Aiden McKay, Bearskin Lake

“My name is Aiden McKay, from Bearskin Lake. For the last two years, I have been working at my community’s school, supporting students in their pursuit of education. I enjoy helping lots of kids with stuff, again and again. Kids are the future and we gotta be there.”

While attending Pelican Falls First Nation High School, Aiden completed his co-op practicum at Tikinagan in the Communications Department. During his time, he produced this video. He was also awarded the Co-Op Award at the end of the year.

Kris Moore, Fort Severn

“Boozhoo, Hello! My name is Kris Moore and I’m 20 years old. I come from Fort Severn First Nation. I’ve been in the foster care system ever since I was six years old and been with two different foster care agencies. Growing up in foster care has a long lasting impact on me, both good and bad, and wish to share my experiences and elevate youth and their voices. Change is slow but just because it’s taking time it doesn’t mean it’s not happening.”

Kris is also a talented artist and was commissioned to design the cover artwork on Tikinagan’s 2023-24 Annual Report for September 2024.

Moriano Owen, Poplar Hill

“Boosho (Wachiiaye). My name is Moriano Owen. I’m originally born and raised in Poplar Hill First Nation.

Most recently, I completed my first year of college with the General Arts & Science Program (1 year). This allowed me the flexibility to explore subjects that interest me the most while building on essential workforce skills like communication, critical thinking and interpersonal relations. As well, I started my own club: “Anishnaabemowin (ᐊᓂᐡᓈᐯᐤᒧᐎᐣ) language night.” I promoted the language and culture to students. I want to preserve Ojibwe or any other native language to prevent our young generation losing our language. I am now enrolled in the social service worker program with Indigenous Specialization.

I am excited to share my experiences with Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag, especially my language. I am unique, and I march to my own beat; soon, the world will follow. Miigwetch, Miigwetch and Miigwetch!”

Jaida Gregg, Lac Seul

“Boozhoo! My name is Jaida Gregg. I am from Lac Seul First Nation. I am 24 years old. I am a registered nurse, after completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Currently, I work at Independent First Nations Alliance tribal council as a Paediatric Nurse. This upcoming fall I will be continuing my education in a Master of Public Health with focus on Indigenous and Northern Health.

I am passionate about many things; however, Indigenous youth have always had a special place in my heart. Supporting our youth has been a passion of mine that continues to grow each day. I believe in our youth and what they have to say. My intention is to further empower our youth while bringing my paediatric healthcare knowledge to the table.”

Nathan Linklater, Sandy Lake

“Hey, my name is Nathan Linklater and I’m 17. I am also from Sandy Lake. I have been in the foster care system for over a decade, I want to give other youth a chance to be heard. I also want to make changes to the system that will benefit youth, physically and mentally. To those in care and those who are not, I have had both distressing and transformative experiences and would like to share and help youth who are going through hard times like I did. I learned so many things that I would like to share and uplift the youth in general.”

Eternity Neekan, Mishkeegogamang

“My name is Eternity. I’m from Mishkeegogamang First Nation and i am 20 years old. My experience being in the system motivated me to join this youth council and I know what it’s like to receive “bad care”, in other words – I believe this will heal the inner child in me knowing I could advocate for youth today who are experiencing what I did. My goal is to become the social worker I needed growing up and I believe I am on my way to achieving it by taking this first step.”

Brice Koostachin Moore, Fort Severn

“Boozhoo, my name is Brice I’m 19 years and I’m from Fort Severn First Nation but I mostly grew up in Thunder Bay. I’ve been in the foster care system for almost 15 years. I hated being in foster care, I resented the system because of how I was treated in home that were claimed to be safe. Years later after lots of healing and growing up I realized I want to help improve the system for the youth and everyone else involved. That’s why I joined Hear Us Youth so I can be apart of something that matters and will make a difference for the better.”

Madison Gliddy, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug

“Hello, my name is Madison Gliddy and I’m 23. I come from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI). I have been in foster care ever since I was 6 years old. In that time, I was with two agencies. With growing up in foster care there were a lot of good things that happened to me but also not so good things, so I want to share my experiences and help youth and their voices. I am also in my last year of the ECE program at the college, so I am excited to begin this new chapter in my life and be able to experience change.”

Darren Kwandibens, Mishkeegogamang

“I was four when my parents handed me over to Dilico, tossing me into the wild ride of foster care. It was tough—full of ups, downs, and moments that tested everything I had. I’m grateful for it all because it’s driving me to become my strongest self. The system didn’t go easy: I faced lasting challenges that hit hard—physically, emotionally, mentally…sometimes intimately. I felt like a number or a file, passed from home to home, desk to desk, never staying long enough to feel like I belonged. Back then, figuring out who I was took a backseat to just getting through the day.

Now, as an adult standing for myself, I’m facing it all again—this time on my terms. I’m digging in, piecing myself together, and turning struggles into strength. I’d go through it again if it meant growing into who I am today. Every move, every change, over again. It taught me how to adapt and see what’s real in a noisy world. That’s my power now. I want to keep growing, learning, and one day, help other kids find their way out of the chaos. My story’s raw and real—it’s why I’m here, still pushing forward, and why I believe we can all rise up.”

Join our Team!

We know you know stuff about youth culture, living in your community or an urban centre, how to interact with your friends, or even being a former or current youth in care. We want to tap into your expertise, your skills, and hear your ideas how we can make Tikinagan Child & Family Services, and other projects like Neegaan Inabin and Niigaanshkaawin, better for children, youth, and families. This may include attending trainings and conferences (both in-person and virtual), working with different forms of media and art, or advocating for children’s rights.

Basically, we want to pay you for stuff you already know how to do!

Start your application today to join this exciting movement of youth who will make a different in their First Nation. Complete our online application form below.

Got questions? We got answers! Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below or send us an email at Youth@Tikinagan.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reach out if I have questions or want to share my story?

If you have other questions about Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag (Hear Us Youth) or want to share your story and experiences, send us an email at Youth@Tikinagan.org.

Will I get paid?

All successful applicants who join the Team will be paid in volunteer hours and/or monetary value for their time and commitment to the project and its related events, activities, and tasks.

What happens when I send an email to Youth@Tikinagan.org?

Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag (Hear Us Youth) reviews messages sent to Youth@Tikinagan.org at our meetings held every two months. Our team provides an opportunity for youth in care to share their knowledge, ideas, and concerns to help Tikinagan with their structure and programming. We also invite Tikinagan staff to ask us questions, too!

We will send a response after we’ve met as a team and reviewed your message. This means we may also take action by sharing your experiences, insights or inquiries with Tikinagan without sharing your name or other specifics, unless we have your permission.

Do I have to live in my First Nation community?

No. You can be living in your community or in an urban area like Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, or even Toronto. You must be connected to one of our 30 First Nations, though.

How do I apply to be a part of the Team?

Below on this webpage is a short application form. It requires your parent/guardians signature if you are under the age of 18. It must be completed in full.

How old do I have to be?

We are looking for youth who are at least 16 to 26 years old.

Can my friends join?

Yes, but everyone who wants to be part of Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag (Hear Us Youth) must complete the online application.

How many people will be on the Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag (Hear Us Youth) team?

That depends on the number of great people like you who apply! You can never have enough good ideas! Right now, our goal is to have one youth from each of Tikinagan’s 30 First Nations.

What's the commitment like?

Currently, we are meeting in-person once every two months while we work on our workplan. On top of that, team members will be invited to help out with various tasks, such as creating art, making a video, giving feedback on content, and sharing ideas. We are hoping to expand, so we can visit First Nation communities and run events for youth.

What are the requirements to participate on the team?

First, everyone must complete the online application form on this webpage. Once selected, team members must be able to travel and attend meetings. Most importantly, a willingness to commit to the team — which means participating in meetings, reading and replying to messages, and giving input.

How long will I be on the team for?

We are looking for people to be on the team for a minimum of one year.