Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag (Hear Us Youth) - Tikinagan

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

Memekwe Apetawakeesic Morriseau, Weagamow Lake

ᒣᒣᑵ ᐊᐱᑕᐘᑭᓯᐠ ᒷᕑᐃᓱ

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.

Kris Moore, Fort Severn

ᐠᕑᐃᐢ ᒧᕑ

Kris Moore, Fort Severn

“Boozhoo, Hello! My name is Kris Moore and I’m 22 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 artwork for Tikinagan’s Annual Chiefs Assembly in September 2024 and October 2026.

Nathan Linklater, Sandy Lake

ᓀᐃᑎᐣ ᓫᐃᐠᓫᐁᔾᑎᕑ

Nathan Linklater, Sandy Lake

“Hey, my name is Nathan Linklater and I’m 19. 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

ᐃᑎᕑᓂᑎ ᓂᑲᐣ

Eternity Neekan, Mishkeegogamang

“My name is Eternity. I’m from Mishkeegogamang First Nation and i am 22 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, Fort Severn

ᑊᕑᐊᔲᐢ ᑯᐢᑕᒋᐣ

Brice Koostachin, Fort Severn

“Boozhoo, my name is Brice I’m 21 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

ᒪᑎᓯᐣ ᐠᓫᐊᔾᑎ

Madison Gliddy, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug

“Hello, my name is Madison Gliddy and I’m 24. 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

ᑌᕑᐃᐣ ᑿᐣᑎᐯᐣᐢ

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.”

Sasha Keesick, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug

ᓴᐦᔕ ᑭᓯᐠ

Sasha Keesick, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug

“My name is Sasha Keesick, I was born in Winnipeg but currently live in Sioux Lookout. I am 19 years old. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and my significant other. I love horses and doing walks to Sioux Mountain to take in the views of nature. I’m excited for the future that is in store for me!”

Malakai Mawageesick, Sandy Lake

ᒪᓫᐊᑲᔾ ᒪᐘᑭᓯᐠ

Malakai Mawageesick, Sandy Lake

“Boozhoo/Hello!

My name is Malakai Mawageesick, I am 21 years old, and I identify as two-spirit! This label and term identifies and connects me to my culture, which I’m proud to be reconnecting with despite living within Thunder Bay! Though my family and my band is Sandy Lake First Nation, which is signed to Treaty 5! I consider myself to be an advocate and leader for Indigenous youth across turtle island.

When I was 16, I voluntarily signed myself into care with Tikinagan under a MYSA (Mamow Youth Service Agreement) to transition away from my family and develop my life skills. Unfortunately, I applied during a difficult time when files and responsibilities were being transferred, and moved around. I fell through the cracks, and did not receive the support until I was 18, when I applied for Neegaan Inabin. Through Tikinagan’s post-majority program, Neegaan Inabin, I was able to move back into my family’s home, care for my mother, and finally pursue my education with my support system in place.

I am also proud to be part of a separate and independent youth-led initiative called, Aandeg Miikana (Crow’s Path).

You can read more about it here!”

Dimitry Sturgeon, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug

ᑎᒥᐟᕑᐃ ᐢᑎᕑᒋᐣ

Dimitry Sturgeon, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug

“Hey, I’m Dimitry Sturgeon. I am 18 years old. I’m embracing new beginnings and sharing my story. My experience in foster care had its ups and downs, but it taught me resilience and gratitude. Excited to connect and inspire others.”

Past Members

Jaida Gregg, Lac Seul

Jaida Gregg, Lac Seul

“I have very much enjoyed my time on the Hear Us Youth team and have appreciated the experiences that have come along with it. It has been a rewarding experience overall and I am thankful for Tikinagan for creating this space for the youth team.”

Reina Foster, Lac Seul

Reina Foster, Lac Seul

Aiden McKay, Bearskin Lake

Aiden McKay, Bearskin Lake

Ty Strang, Poplar Hill

Ty Strang, Poplar Hill

Moriano Owen, Poplar Hill

Moriano Owen, Poplar Hill

“Thank you for the opportunity being on the Tikinagan Youth Team. I wish the best for the team and good luck.”

Winter Suggashie, Poplar Hill

ᐏᐣᑎᕑ ᓴᑲᔑ

Winter Suggashie, Poplar Hill

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 (if needed them for school) and monetary value for their time and commitment to the project and its related events, activities, and tasks if graduated or no longer needing school hours.

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

Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag (Hear Us Youth) reviews messages sent to Youth@Tikinagan.org. 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 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 online once every two months. 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. Youth members are also invited to travel for trips when Tikinagan and Youth events are happening. On average our youth members travel anywhere from 4 to 6 events a year.

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 and can stay on as a member up until their 26th birthday.