Background

In 2003 the Board of Directors of NACC determined that they would like to have northern youth participate through an annual youth conference in leadership training as our future for the north; and through this participation have the ability to address youth challenges in the north. In 2005 through the support of the Honourable Oscar Lathlin, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs the first Youth Advisory Committee was struck and they met in Winnipeg for a 2 day strategic meeting, planning the 3rd Annual Youth Conference. This year was NACC’s 35th anniversary and with this important juncture for our organization there were 5 resolutions that came out of this year’s youth conference to take to the ministers for a response and support. These youth have volunteered their time for this important committee and the Board of Directors, Management and Staff congratulates their efforts. We would like to introduce the following committee members:

Brandy Bulycz

Brandy is an Aboriginal Youth who is self employed and resides in Mafeking. The name of her company is Freedom Embroidery. Since being in business for approximately a year and a half Brandy has had to develop skills in networking, sales which included getting companies and people interested in her business and products, public speaking, accounting, time management and organizational skills. Brandy has attended all three of our youth conferences and participated in the 2005 conference as keynote speaker on Day 1.

Albert Stoltz

Albert who hails out of Flin Flon where he has been working with the local youth centre in the summer of 2001 and since then as a youth leader in his community involved in supervision, and assisting in planning and organization of youth activities. Albert has been involved with the NACC Youth Conferences since 2003 and earned a great deal of respect from his peers as a positive role model right from the beginning.

Amanda J. Lathlin

Tansi! My name is Amanda J. Lathlin. I am 26 years old and I come from an awesome Reserve called Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Opaskwayak Cree Nation has over 4000 band members and is a very economically progressive community. I am the second youngest of my family of nine, which includes my mom and dad, my four brothers and two sisters. I graduated from Joe A. Ross School in 1996, and attended Brandon University in 1997 for Business Administration. However, I realized that this was not the career choice for me and decided to wait until I am certain on what field of work I am interested in. There are so many choices!! On my spare time I like to read, swim, spend time with family and friends and I am in Shotokan Karate. I hope to obtain my green belt by May 2006. Currently, I am working for my band in the Employment & Training/Youth Centre departments. My future plans are to finish an intense training course in Life Skills Coach Training and after that prepare myself for the CFAEP, which is the Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program for August 2006. I have been very fortunate to be a member of the Youth Advisory Committee for two years now, and to work with such wonderful, bright and determined youth. If you have any questions or concerns please let one of us know, you can reach us through email or leave a message at the NACC office telephone toll free 1-888-947-6222 and our website address is http://nacc.cimnet.ca,

“Never give up on your hopes and dreams, you are the only one who is in control of your life and can make things happen with determination, risks, and optimism.”

Ryan De La Ronde

Ryan is originally from Duck Bay and now resides in Winnipeg. He has put a lot of energy into youth oriented activities such as helping to coach both elementary and high school sporting teams; help coordinate the MMF Winnipeg Region Aboriginal Day and the successful Street Festival Celebrations. We welcome Ryan as one of our newest members to the YAC.

Francine Villeneuve

This was Francine’s 2nd year at the NACC Youth Conference. Francine resides in The Pas; brings with her a strong work ethic and great communication skills. She enjoys working with her peers and looks forward to working with the other YAC members. Francine also impressed the conference organizers and participants on her leadership skills and energy shown at the first conference she attended. She has shown she is well versed on the youth issues.

Lester Constant

My name is Lester Constant and I am from Opaskwayak Cree Nation. I have lived in OCN all my life. I believe that this will be my fourth year in attending the AGM. I always look forward to attending where I can meet new people and learn a lot from my peers and the workshops that are being held.

Previously, I was a participant with the AGM Youth Conference where I met a lot of people. As part of the YAC, I know that this coming year will be another rewarding experience.

I received my education in The Pas and Opaskwayak Cree Nation. After graduating from Joe A. Ross School in 1993, I went on to pursue an education in Business Administration. Throughout the years, I was employed in various jobs such as Youth Centre Supervisor, Income Security Reform Coordinator to Social Assistance Accounting Clerk. I am presently employed by OCN Social Services where I received a lot of experience in the area of accounting.

In my previous years, I have been involved in the planning and development of summer programming and employment. Programming included Post Secondary Summer Employment, High School Summer Employment, Youth Development & Fitness Camp and a program for students who were unable to continue their schooling due to various barriers, which was called the Ensuring Our Future program. And last but not least, Social Development. This concept was brought into OCN in the year 2005. As I progress with the committee, I will bring them up to date with this information.

So in closing, I look forward to meeting everyone and attending as part of the Youth Advisory Committee.

Akosi

Christine. A. Smith

My name is Christine. A. Smith. I was born in British Colombia, but my present address is in Wabowden Manitoba. I just graduated from high school at Mel Johnson School. My plans are now, going on to become an RCMP officer.

I work with the Wabowden Fire and Ambulance and have been for the past 2 years, Licensed as a Technician (attendant). Working with this job I have had to become independent, a team player, opened minded, professional, and I have had to build up my self-confidence to take care of other individuals who need assistance on my own.

I have done a lot of Volunteer work in our community, from teacher’s assistant, score keeping for volleyball and soccer, working with the youth at the arena, secretary, and serving food at the homeless shelter in Portage La Prairie. While in school I was involved in the Teens Against Drunk Drivers, which I had to be the spokes person for that and travel to different communities.