Kwey, Anin, Bozhoo!!!
As a young National Aboriginal leader I am honoured to have this opportunity to address you as the youth of our nations and the leaders of our future. I want you to know that I truly believe you are determining where we, as Aboriginal peoples, will be in seven generations. Our future has never been brighter than it is today. Opportunity awaits you.
THE TIME IS NOW… THIS IS YOUR TIME.
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) was established over 30 years ago and is one of five federally recognized National Aboriginal Organizations in Canada (NAO). We advocate for and advance the issues of ALL Aboriginal Peoples living off-reserve regardless of what their status might be under the Indian Act.
CAP has long been committed to the advancement of Canada’s Aboriginal youth and as such we have dedicated ourselves to ensuring that through our National Youth Council you as Aboriginal youth have an active voice in ALL decisions made on behalf of the organization. The National Youth Council serve as members on CAP national caucuses and hold a voting seat on our governing body, the Board of Directors.
We believe that to ensure the best possible future for our peoples that you must lead the way.
In addition to incorporating your needs into all aspects of policy initiatives including those related to education, economic development, human rights, health, and the environment we also engage in activities that have a specific youth focus.
CAP believes that recognizing people for their achievements is a great way to build self-esteem, and more importantly, it’s a way to establish role models so others can see that goals can be achieved. Realizing how important this is for you our youth, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ National Youth Council has established our own, unique Annual Youth Awards that honour and realize these achievements.
I, along with our National Youth Council and Board of Directors, feel that you as the Aboriginal youth of Canada are achieving real goals. You deserve to be recognized for your effort.
Award categories include Arts and Dance, Community, Culture and Heritage, Education, Leadership, and Sports. We believe that achievement is best measured by effort rather than success.
The journey is more important than the destination.
If you know an individual who you feel exemplifies this vision nominate them for an award. All recipients will receive a cash prize along with a plaque. For more details visit our Youth Award Page.
In addition to ongoing activities such as our National Youth Council and our annual Youth Achievement Awards CAP participates in two Federal initiatives. One is the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative (AHHRI). The AHHRI is a multi-year Health Canada initiative promoting health careers.
CAP and its National Youth Council are pleased to announce that we will be participating in the AHHRI by hosting our First Annual Youth and Elders Conference. The conference is anticipated for early 2008 and will focus on health careers and mentorship. The conference promises to have a wide range of activities such as sharing circles, cultural activities, and presentations by Elders, Youth and some of Canada’s most successful Aboriginal people. Participation in this historical event is open to ALL Aboriginal people regardless of residency or status so if you are interested in participating in this exciting event or know someone who might be feel free to keep checking our website at www.abo-peoples.org for more details.
Finally CAP has been actively engaged in the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (NAYSPS). NAYSPS is a multi-year initiative that is aimed at reducing the risk and incidences of suicide among our youth.
We understand how important the issue of suicide is to ALL Aboriginal peoples, regardless of where we live. We have ALL been affected by it in some way regardless whether we live in Norway House, Vancouver, Labrador City, or Wabagoon. CAP is committed to ensuring that those who are most affected have an active voice in addressing and confronting the issue.
We will be hosting a series of youth-driven town hall meetings across the country. These meetings will be a way for you to share not only your concerns about the issue of suicide but more importantly you will have the opportunity to discuss what you think it takes to create healthy Aboriginal people, families, communities, and nations.
At CAP we believe that what you think matters.
We want you to help us work towards a bright, prosperous, and hopeful future for all Aboriginal peoples, so if you are interested in participating in a town hall meeting keep checking our website for more details because you never know we might just come to a community near you.
I invite you to contact me anytime! I want to hear about your concerns, your ideas, your thoughts and your dreams. We have an open door policy at CAP.
Your issues are important! We want to hear from you!
As Canada’s youngest National Aboriginal leader, and as a committed husband and father I am here to ensure that your future is prosperous and filled with hope and determination. And remember ‘hope springs eternal’ and anything is possible if you dream big enough and work hard enough.
Yours in Hope and Unity
Patrick Brazeau
National Chief
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
613-747-6022
patrickb@abo-peoples.org
www.abo-peoples.org
