Youth Know

As a like-minded collective, the Youth Know Team brings everything they have to the table to establish a solid foundation for future members. The purpose of the Youth Know Team 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 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 18 years old and currently still in care. 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.

 

Reina Foster, Lac Seul

As a self-starter, Reina has committed herself to many youth initiatives on both local and international levels. Reina has contributed to various reports and articles, initiated herself with different youth councils, and continues to use her insight for finding ways in which she can contribute to meaningful causes.

Indigenous Child Welfare is one of Reina’s top passions and she has long advocated for the resurgence and reclamation of our own Child Welfare laws. As a former youth in care, she understands the struggles that youth face while in the system and hopes that she can empower youth to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Reina wrote about her personal experiences for Kids Help Phone.

Currently working in Economic Development, she believes that the skills she learned as a former young leader go hand-in-hand with her employment, especially in advocacy and community engagement. In this new chapter of her life and as a mother to two young boys, she hopes to inspire many other Indigenous youth to awaken their inner self-starter and strive for their dreams.

 

Memekwe Apetawakeesic Morriseau, Weagamow Lake

“Hello! My name is Memekwe Apetawakeesic Morriseau. I’m from Weagamow Lake Ontario, and I’m sixteen and the reason why I joined this group is to give indigenous youth a voice as I’ve noticed we’re pushed to the side. My other goal is to bring awareness to suicide and to try to prevent it as much as possible.”

Memekwe has produced artwork for Tikinagan, including the Niigaanshkaawin and Neegaan Inabin logos, as well as the winning image for the Anti-Bullying campaign during COVID-19 in 2020.

 

Aiden McKay, Bearskin Lake

“My name is Aiden McKay, from Bearksin 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 15 years old.

Can my friends join? 

Yes, but everyone who wants to be on of the #YouthKnow Team must complete the online application.

How many people will be on the #YouthKnow Team?

Hard to say. That depends on the number of great people like you who apply! You can never have enough good ideas! Right now, there are four team members.

What's the commitment like?

We are planning to host at least one virtual meeting once per month. We may look at hosting an in-person session. 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.

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 have access to a computer and/or phone to be able to 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.