Youth participate in Grand Council Assembly

By Jon Cada

MUNSEE DELAWARE NATION – There were some youthful faces at this year’s Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Assembly in Munsee-Delaware Nation in June.

Mississauga First Nation Chief Reginald Niganobe, brought along two youth from his community to participate and see how a Grand Council assembly works.

Roni Gionette and Veronica Morningstar both attended and had a lot to say about the meetings.

“It was an unreal experience to see all the chiefs together talking about what needs to be done and what is happening in their communities and all around Ontario,” said Gionette.  “I heard so much in those two days. It was crazy to see the few Elders there talk really fluently. I really felt a connection with the stories they shared.”

Wanda Boyer, a Mississauga First Nation councillor said it’s all part of an on-going initiative.

“The idea is to get youth and elders more involved in what’s happening in leadership talks,” said Boyer.  “The experience I feel really helps the girls think outside the box about what they want to do for their community.”

Chief Niganobe, who has a history working with youth in the community, says that was his goal from day one working with Chief and Council.

“Our last chief did some of the same things we’re doing now. Last year, I brought two male youth with me to the AFN elections in Toronto and they had a blast seeing all of the things going on there,” said Chief Niganobe.

For future events, Chief Niganobe would like his community to bring Elders.

“We want to provide an opportunity to all community members to attend these events and bring something back with them. It’s a great chance to learn about what’s happening out there and share that with others,” he said.