E2C Program Meeting Youth from Nunavik in Chisasibi
A couple of months ago, Expedition 2 Community (E2C) received an invitation to join the Qarjuit Youth Council (QYC)’s Annual General Meeting. I was so excited! Since I joined E2C as the program Manager last winter, I have been itching to get out of working from home and connect with some youth in communities. I traveled to Chisasibi, Cree territory, from September 27th-29th, 2021. As my multiple take-off’s and landings brought me closer to the north, I loved seeing the beauty of the Boreal Forest and then the Taiga from my plane windows.
What is the Qarjuit Youth Council?
Qarjuit Youth Council (QYC) strives to be part of the solution in improving the lives of youth from the ages of 15 to 35 in Nunavik and Chisasibi. QYC aims to give youth the voice they deserve by providing information, support, and programs specifically designed by and for them. The core of their mission is to prioritize and utilize cultural values when dreaming big and planning for the future.
Every year the QYC gather for the Annual General Meeting
They meet every year in different communities. The Qarjuit Board organized a three days event for the 30 members from the 14 communities of Nunavik plus Chisasibi. They vote on the budget, debrief on past activities and share their ideas, concerns about their hometown. The meeting was mainly in Inuktitut, and two translators were also present.You can always expect to hear from bright young people and wisdom from elders, plus they had some great snacks!
Pitching Expedition 2 Community to the council
If you haven’t heard about E2C, I’ll fill you in!Expedition to Community (E2C) is a youth-led service program grounded in and supported by the community. E2C inspires participants aged 15 through 30 to collectively consider the needs of their communities and work together to find solutions, offer support, and build programs that are for youth and by youth.
E2C is one program of many at the SOI Foundation all aiming to help youth develop their leadership skills to benefit their community and the planet! You can learn more at our new website: soifoundation.org!
Highlights from the Meeting
My time in Chisasibi flew by so quickly, but a lot happened. I ran into an SOI Antarctica alum, Rosena Emak, who is the new Qarjuit president. I had fun catching up with some friends and a young lady that I used to work with in Kujjuarapik in 2014. I also learned that Qarjuit has some funding that is going to benefit all 15 communities and I’m looking forward to seeing how they use it over the next couple of years. Cool things are on the horizon! The youth seemed keen on learning about climate change and eager to be part of decision-making. We need to help harness and empower this energy! Also, there’s a clear desire for more programming for older youth 15+, who occasionally feel left out of programs meant for younger kids. I’m looking forward to E2C maybe being an option for these older youth!
It was a real honor to be invited to the Annual General Meeting and meet 28 inspiring and engaged youth. They are a resilient generation that I hope will benefit from our E2C program
