Engagement, Involvement, and Insights of Gwich’in Youth

Article by:
Gwich’in Council International
Contributors: Marlisa Brown, Jerry Carroll, Olivia Dobbs, Mackenzie Englishoe, Raven Firth, Taylor Hoggarth, Kellie Horassi, Ciara Kakfwi-Frost, Amber McSwain, and Zakayla Netro

"Involving youth in conversations about their future is essential. We need to ask for their perspectives, listen in the present, and make room for them to grow as leaders. By doing so, we are ensuring that the decisions we make today will empower them to lead us into a better tomorrow. The presence of youth in these meetings serves as a reminder that the future of our communities rests in their hands, and we are committed to supporting and nurturing that leadership." – Mackenzie Englishoe

We recognize the importance and value of having youth involved in our work. In the past two years, GCI has made intentional efforts to include youth in our delegations. From Arctic conferences and Gwich’in Nation events to Arctic Council related meetings and side meetings with partners, we recruit and support youth delegates to join us.

We asked GCI youth representatives, if they were to share their experience, what would they want people to know? Their reflections and recommendations will shape our programming going forward, and offer insights for youth engagement and involvement across the Arctic.

"I had the best time of my life. It was truly eye-opening to be a part of this experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It’s a trip that made me think about my life differently and in a good way, and now I’m capable of speaking confidently on my life and what I’d like to see in the future for other First Nations youth. It was great to be included, involved, and supported." – Olivia Dobbs

"You will feel wholesome, meeting other Indigenous and Inuit people who have passion and respect for the Arctic and are genuinely proud. It is exciting and gives you hope." – Amber McSwain

"Your voice is important! I came into this opportunity thinking I would just be sitting in on meetings and conferences listening and learning. However, many people that I met would want to know more about me. This would include asking me my thoughts in side-meetings at times. Do not be scared to voice your opinion and let your heart speak for you!" – Taylor Hoggarth

"Being a part of the delegation was an empowering experience. Being able to share ideas, passions, and culture in a welcoming and safe space makes all the difference. I have made great connections and am inspired to continue advocating for my peoples." – Kellie Horassi

"I felt very supported both from GCI and all the other delegations that attended the Conference. I met some great people and made some new connections." – Jerry Carroll

"I was not expecting to learn about the interpersonal skills of all these different cultures and countries… I had an expectation of how I have been taught people interact and presentations are done. GCI invited us on a trip that broke those expectation by encouraging us to be ourselves, introducing us to incredible people, trusting we'll know what to say and catering such a welcoming, playful learning experience." – Raven Firth

"I had a great opportunity to speak on one of the panels with other young people. Each one of us had a uniqueness to how we were being affected by the climate change crises, through pollution and politics. It was so beneficial for my own self growth but also connecting with so many people and even cousins that I’ve never met before… I know so much more, especially on what I want to continue my studies in from attending the Arctic Youth Conference." – Zakayla Netro

"It is good medicine to be surrounded by our peoples from different parts of Gwich’in country to connect, learn from one another, and share our strength, knowledge, food, hardships, laughs, dance, and teachings." – Marlisa Brown