What happens when over 50 young Indigenous people from Haida Gwaii to Wet'suwet'en to Tahltan gather and dive into being actors, builders, storytellers, and artists? On Feb 22, 2017 youth and chaperones gathered together for the first Northwest First Nations Youth Gathering and Banquet in Smithers BC.

The rhythm of youthful energy intensified throughout the day as community representatives and their chaperones focused on questions relating to Primary Care. A scene developed with a "patient" arriving with a broken arm to be treated by a "doctor", while the three other groups interpreted the questions using their forms of creativity. 

Spontaneous drumming broke out regularly, with Nisga'a and Tsimshian dancing and singing. Other Nations joined in with their performances. Traditional art took form on cedar plaques, as painters concentrated intensely. Later, everyone decorated antler medallions, transforming them into keychains and necklaces.

Over lunch at the Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre in Smithers, storytellers worked out the script and storyboard for a Public Service Announcement that Lantern Films of Vancouver would produce for the evening gala. With consensus from all, the filming intensified. Each participant who wanted to be was included.

The young men and women discussed Mental Health and Substance Use with maturity and insight. They also shared on what they wished to see at an upcoming youth health career conference.  On breaks, old and new friends donned props to take photos in the selfie booth.

At the evening banquet, attended by Northwest Chiefs, Health Directors and Leads, FNHA staff and other guests, Cayden White of Lax Kw'alaams and Doran Stephens of Nisga'a danced in. Later Doran spoke accompanied by a Darrian Mills. When they were done, it was time for the PSA premiere and the message was loud and clear from Northwest youth: Don't Put Our Health On Hold!