Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin launches first-ever Robinson Huron Treaty Youth Advisory

Robinson Huron Treaty Territory (March 3, 2026) – Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin (RHW) is proud to announce the establishment of the first-ever Robinson Huron Treaty Youth Advisory, a historic step in strengthening youth leadership and engagement across the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory.

The Youth Advisory held its inaugural meeting on February 24, marking a full-circle moment for many involved in the journey to create a dedicated youth voice within RHW governance. All eight appointed Youth Advisory members were present, engaged, and genuinely excited to begin this important work on behalf of the 21 First Nations of the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty.

“I want to warmly welcome the very first Robinson Huron Treaty Youth Advisory to RHW. This is a historic and meaningful step for our organization and for our Treaty territory,” said RHW Executive Director Earl Commanda. “We are truly looking forward to working alongside each of you. I am confident you will bring forward strong ideas, new energy, and perspectives that reflect the realities and hopes of young people across our communities. Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are leaders today. As leadership, our role is to walk with you; to mentor, to teach, and to share what we have learned while also listening carefully and creating space for your vision to guide us forward.”

The Robinson Huron Treaty Youth Advisory was created to champion the voices and priorities of Anishinabek youth across the territory. The Advisory will help design and lead the first Robinson Huron Treaty Youth Gathering and co-develop a long-term Youth Engagement Plan. Through this work, members will strengthen youth connections across regions, amplify Anishinaabe perspectives, and create new opportunities for leadership and growth grounded in Treaty, culture, and responsibility to future generations.

“This moment felt incredibly full circle,” shared former Chiefs of Ontario youth advisory member Tristen Schneider reflecting on her first meeting. “Meeting young people stepping into a youth advisory space for the first time reminded me of when I was first invited into youth leadership. What once felt unfamiliar and intimidating planted the seed for a dream, to one day mentor and support a youth council of our own. That dream is now a reality.”

Tristen Schneider is the Events & Engagement Coordinator for RHW and coordinator for the youth advisory.

The inaugural members represent communities across the Treaty territory and urban areas:

Chad McKay (Mtigoohns) – Batchewana First Nation
A 25-year-old Indigenous artist and educator, Chad is committed to creating a lasting legacy through art and experiences inspired by the gifts given by Gichi Manidoo, ensuring future generations remain inspired and connected.

Daynara Cyr (Zhaashkwe Naangosh) – Zhiibaahaasing First Nation
An experienced youth advocate, Daynara serves on multiple youth councils, including the Anishinabek Education System Youth Council, Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services Youth Advisory Council, Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) Student Senate, and as Student Trustee for RDSB. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the Ontario Student Trustee Association’s Indigenous Student Trustee Council. She is passionate about ensuring youth voices are present in decision-making spaces.

Jared “Gaagaagi” Commanda – Nipissing First Nation
An Ojibwe Firekeeper and third-year Mechatronics Engineering student at Queen’s University, Jared applies robotics and data-driven tools to environmental stewardship, with a focus on water protection and Indigenous data sovereignty. He is committed to bringing Indigenous leadership into engineering and environmental governance.

Jacob Genereux (Zhaawshkwaagamik Nbish – Blue Green Water) – M’Chigeeng First Nation
Jacob is Co-Chair and Ontario representative on the Ways of the Heart Youth Council (National Indigenous Youth Council on Mental Wellness). Holding a Master’s in Sport Management & Leadership and a background in sport and exercise science, he currently works as an Indigenous Youth Prevention/Intervention Worker with the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising.

Tierra Madahbee-Abotosaway – Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation
Currently serving as an Anishinaabe Aadiziwin Apprentice in Whitefish River First Nation, Tierra is passionate about mental health supports, bridging the Elder-youth gap, and integrating cultural practices into everyday life. She is dedicated to centering youth voices in conversations about Treaty rights, land, and future generations.

Julianna Grant – Nipissing First Nation
An Anishinaabekwe and proud band member of Nipissing First Nation, Julianna is an avid Fancy Shawl dancer, reader, and writer who brings cultural pride and creativity to her leadership role.

Grace Martin-Wirta – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (Youth-at-Large)
Currently residing on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories, Grace is a co-founder and business analyst at a First Nations consulting firm focused on economic reconciliation through federal procurement initiatives. With a background in psychology and philosophy from UBC, she is grounded in responsibility to land, community, and relational accountability.

Aurora Ominika-Enosse – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Aurora holds a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Indigenous Studies from Carleton University and currently works as a Project Coordinator focusing on youth initiatives at the National Association of Friendship Centres. She is dedicated to creating spaces where youth feel safe, valued, and empowered to lead.

For more information about the Robinson Huron Treaty Youth Advisory, please contact:

Tristan Schnieder

Tristen@waawiindamaagewin.com

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