Feathers of Hope Youth Forum: First Nations youth gather to find solutions and create positive change

Youth will develop plans to create healthy, vibrant communities

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Youth delegates from 91 First Nations communities in Northern Ontario will gather today at the Feathers of Hope Youth Forum to address the complex issues youth face, including health, education, culture, identity and suicide. The forum will run from March 24^th to 28^th in Thunder Bay. On the final day of the forum, the delegates will present their recommendations to create healthy, vibrant communities to First Nations, government and community leaders and others responsible for their care.

"We realize that we need to find action-based solutions that will lead to meaningful programs and supports at the root level to meet the needs of First Nations children and youth," said Kathryn Morris, Amplifier at the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth in Thunder Bay and a youth leader on the Feathers of Hope youth forum. "We are stronger together and the forum gives us a chance to play a role in building a better future for our communities and to make them safer, stronger and healthier places for children and youth."

First Nations children and youth are one of the most vulnerable populations of young people in Canada. Compared to other young people in Ontario, First Nations children and youth are disproportionately represented in the youth justice and child welfare systems. They experience extreme poverty in greater numbers and face higher rates of malnutrition, disability, drug and alcohol abuse and suicide.  Many live without access to education, housing, drinkable water or health care.

The Advocate's Office is hosting the forum in partnership with the Inter-Governmental Network (IGN) and federal and provincial levels of government. Youth delegates from urban and remote northern First Nations communities will share their lived experiences and ideas to help create action plans to take back to their home communities. The forum provides a safe space for young people to learn about their rights and share their experiences with one another. The event builds on the work started with Horizons of Hope, an event held 17 years ago to address youth suicide in First Nations communities in the North, and the lack of timely and comprehensive action since then.

"The most powerful voice for children and youth is their own. I know these determined and passionate young people have an important role to play to effect change in their communities and find solutions to the harsh realities they face," said Irwin Elman, Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth. "If all of us can gather around them and listen, together we can find a way to move forward."

About the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth

The Office of the Provincial Advocate reports directly to the Legislature and provides an independent voice for children and youth, including children with special needs and First Nations children. The Provincial Advocate receives and responds to concerns from children, youth and families who are seeking or receiving services under the Child and Family Services Act and the Education Act (Provincial and Demonstration Schools), including youth in custody. The Provincial Advocate identifies systemic problems involving children, conducts reviews and provides education and advice on the issue of advocacy and the rights of children. The Office is guided by the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has a strong commitment to youth involvement.

SOURCE: Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth

or to speak to Irwin Elman or one of the youth Amplifiers, please contact: 
Fiona Taylor, Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.provincialadvocate.on.ca/foh