#4: Attend a cultural event

ELI Gathering 2017, Little Big Lake

Today, Ralph and I had the opportunity to stop in at the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) Gathering in Janvier. This gathering is made possible by the Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI), previously called OSLI. This particular culture gathering focuses on the traditional knowledge transmission from Elders and Knowledge Keepers to Indigenous youth, most of whom come from Janvier and Fort Chipewyan. At the gathering, the youth had the opportunity to enjoy traditional foods, learn how to catch and prepare fish, speak Cree and Dene languages, create beautiful beadwork and antler jewelry, as well try their hands at wilderness survival. The two communities groups who are supported by this industry led initiative is Fort Chipewyan's Lake Athabasca Youth Council and Janvier’s Sekweha Youth Centre, for more information about SCI check out their website. 

Raelene Carter and Elder Mary Anne Swan - cultural gift exchange at the Youth & Elder Gathering in 2002

As a youth (many years ago), I was given the opportunity to participate in similar Youth and Elder Gatherings, offered by the Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association. We did similar activities where we were immersed by the diverse Albertan Indigenous cultures (there are approx. nine foundational Nations in Alberta) and paired with an Elder. I was paired with Elder Mary Anne Swan, she was the kindest soul that had a laugh that could fill a room, while her voice was always tempered at almost a whisper. In the late 1990s, it was the Elders Council who championed the Youth within the Friendship Centre Movement. The first youth council was created in Lac La Biche, and it spread throughout the province, then nation. The objective was that youth council members would be mentored by board members and Elders alike to become Friendship Centre board members when they became adults. Friendship centres found a way to develop sustainability in leadership and governance.

Similar to the Friendship Centre Movement, the Industry players who came together with the communities to form SCI, established a common vision of co-creating safe, health, sustainable communities where people can work, live, play and raise their children. To achieve that vision, SCI invests their efforts in the development of youth. Building support systems with community leadership, their families, Elders and other Knowledge Keepers, the youth are strengthened to be active participants in the shaping of their community's future.

The lesson: if you want your organization and community to thrive and sustain, invest every chance you have in Indigenous youth.

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