Combining pivotal initiatives, key partnerships and powerful discussions, the Cree Nation Youth Council’s 37th Annual General Assembly held in Mistissini from August 6 to 8 was perhaps its most ambitious and action-packed yet.
“It was a historical AGA with the updates we’ve had, showing the youth are ready to be serious in their leadership and bring their ideas to bigger tables,” said Youth Grand Chief Jade Mukash. “Getting quorum at 8:51 AM on the first day is unheard of and the reason we made such major decisions – the youth are ready.”
Implementing its next five-year strategic action plan following years of consultation, the CNYC declared its four priorities: mental health and wellbeing, Cree culture and language, education and skills development, and leadership and governance. Mental wellness will be the focus at its next event, the annual Inspire Hope conference.
Youth after youth took the mic at a four-hour open forum to voice concerns and pitch ideas, yielding an extraordinary 38 resolutions to strengthen governance guidelines, collaborate with other organizations and revive cultural programming. Delegates asked to reinstate the regional canoe brigade, winter journey and youth artists gathering.
“I believe the Youth Councils of Eeyou Istchee Summit this spring brought a lot of youth to the forefront and made them realize their voice matters,” suggested Mukash. “Asking to remove the time limit and extend the forum showed us they’re ready to ensure their voices were being heard.”
With growing CNYC events including Crees ranging in age from 13 to 35, a new safety structure clarified oversight roles for staff, established a new three-member disciplinary committee and developed a step-by-step emergency response plan.
Travel rules were tightened, with a strict code of conduct including a prohibition on alcohol consumption during official trips. Transparency measures include the public release of all meeting minutes and financial audits ahead of future AGAs.
“Restorative justice is a top priority to make sure we’re prioritizing education and awareness rather than implementing event bans, giving youth the chance to redeem themselves and learn from their mistakes,” Mukash explained.
Following an Elder’s opening prayer, the gathering began with fancy shawl and jingle dress dancing by Paula Menarick and Joni Boudrias. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak spoke about her leadership journey while federal Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty encouraged youth to explore political opportunities beyond the CNYC.
A CNYC delegation attended the AFN’s AGA in July, connecting with young leaders from across Canada and recognizing the growing influence of its trailblazing initiatives. Mukash anticipated more collaborations will be developed with organizations outside the region. She credited Deputy Youth Grand Chief Darius Neacappo Pelchat for his energy and advocacy in building new relationships.
“It’s time to create bridges for our youth,” said Mistissini local coordinator Kevin-Joseph Mianscum. “The National Chief was highlighting that it’s important for Indigenous youth to stand firm together, tackling issues with the government, upholding our inherent rights. There is more opportunity out there and we shouldn’t just enclose ourselves in Eeyou Istchee.”
Collaboration with Mistissini’s leadership, youth council and arts committee were instrumental in the AGA’s success. Mianscum said weekly meetings over the past two months ensured that youth were empowered and accountable throughout the planning process.
“It was an all-hands-on-deck event,” said Mianscum. “We tried to make it the best one yet, highlighting Mistissini and all the beauty and services it provides. I want to highlight Mario Neeposh, my right-hand guy making sure things were moving and always supporting me.”
The Mistissini youth council organized evening programming and lunchtime events, including bingo, arm wrestling, a gaming tournament and a portage. The first day was capped by a steak dinner and traditional gala, featuring performances by award-winning Whapmagoostui duo CerAmony along with local talent Ezekiel Neeposh, Ouwahh Music (Mitch Rabbitskin), Bob E Diamond and DJ Justin Ryan Swallow.
“CNYC is seen as the fun organization but it’s an important aspect of governance to have that connection with everybody,” Mukash asserted. “That builds that trust, ensuring they’re having those meaningful conversations, to debate or see all the different aspects to decisions being made.”
While CNYC gatherings have long emphasized traditional cultural activities, a new agreement with the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association will expand opportunities for young artists and support generational knowledge transfer. CNACA’s pop-up Wachiya Store provided a local artist marketplace at the AGA.
A new local arts committee organized workshops throughout the first day, from wood carving to sewing and music making. Chairperson Beth Sealhunter Longchap, an award-winning artist who has long collaborated with CNACA, created a special piece for the AFN National Chief.
“When I receive special orders, I always meditate in prayer,” Longchap reflected. “I looked at the woman she was and that touched me so much. I started doing little sketches but kept coming back to the first one that came so naturally. It was a sealskin flower and inside that is Eeyou medicine.”
Longchap’s highly symbolic creation featured pink and blue sapphires, rubies and Labradorite – her favourite gem. Closed with a cotton fabric called “the flower of life”, she added a little bear on one side with a dragonfly clasp because it’s born in the water before flying away.
“When I explained the meaning, (Woodhouse Nepinak) was very grateful,” Longchap said. “I told her that our vice-chair said we even look alike and she hugged me. She said she’ll wear this with pride at her meeting in October and everyone will see it on TV.”
Longchap said that even though her jewellery is prominently featured at the Wachiya Store, has already created pieces for famous politicians and won CNACA’s contemporary arts award, this was a new career highlight.
“I told (Woodhouse Nepinak) that this little girl in the bush dreamt of selling in Old Montreal one day and that dream came true,” shared Longchap. “That was my biggest dream and now making this for her was beyond my dreams. Things can go farther than the youth can ever dream about – never stop dreaming.”