On January 28th, 29th of 2020 Grand Council Treaty #3’s Territorial Planning Unit hosted their second Climate Change Youth Summit. The summit saw over 50 youth from Treaty #3 communities attend and discuss climate change. The youth that participated had the opportunity to hear from several speakers including: David Pearson from Laurentian University, Darren McLarty from MNRF, University of Winnipeg’s Prairie Climate Centre, Science North, and IISD-ELA.
Grand Council Treaty #3’s Youth Climate Strategy Development Teams had also presented their draft strategies to the audience on Wednesday January 29th 2020. The youth strategies were very well received and David Pearson of Laurentian University had this to say:
“I think the presentations by three Youth Strategy Development Teams and their coordinators were the climax of the two days. The way they spoke about the actions their communities need to take and how climate change is affecting all aspects of people’s lives, was very impressive. For me, the youth were the real leaders at the Summit. I can see their voices becoming stronger and louder. I’m already looking forward to the next Summit and hearing more from the youth of Treaty 3 communities.”
Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh stated “The work our youth put into these strategies can help guide us in the future, it is essential to have their input as we work towards building a better future for our Nation. The youth are our future leaders and it is important we support them in the work they are doing.”
The Youth Strategy Development teams of Asubpeeschoseewagong, Naotkamegwanning, and Onigaming First Nation had the opportunity to meet with David Pearson the day prior to discuss their developing strategies and collect feedback, advice and information as they continue to move forward.
For more information please contact:
Geneva Kejick
Climate Change Program Coordinator, Grand Council Treaty #3
[email protected]
Event Photos: https://www.facebook.com/pg/grandcounciltreatyno3/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1277091065816479