Event centres youth perspectives and land-based knowledge
The voices of communities across the Fraser Salish Region say youth are essential to the future, responsible for carrying forward traditions, worldviews, and the ongoing work of redefining First Nations experiences. The Maternal Child and Family Wellness Team answered that call by hosting the first “Strong and Sacred" Youth Gathering at Chi'íyáqtel Community Hall in Chilliwack.
Nikki LaRock, Qwetó:llhmelhet, served as master of ceremonies, “braiding the knowledge together" over the two-day event.
“We're here to bring the youth opportunities, help change the future for them," she said.
Day one centered around relationships with the land, sharing traditional knowledge and stories of land-based connection.
Terrie Davidson and Kathleen Davidson, community members from Boothroyd Indian Band shared community successes in transferring cultural knowledge and bringing youth onto the land as core part of learning. Rick Campbell, Chewelka, and Lou Hoffman added teachings on traditional plant medicines in the region and how land-based knowledge is interwoven with personal wellness.
Land Guardians Chris Shultz and Kaylo Julian spoke about major projects by the S'olh Temexw Stewardship Alliance, describing the organization as the “eyes, ears and moccasins on the ground". The full name of the stewardship alliance, “S'olh T'emexw te Ilw'elo Xolhmet te mekw stam it kwelat" means “this is our land, we have to take care of everything that belongs to us."
On day two, the microphone amplified the youth leaders Marvin Leon and Tori Charlie of the Sts'ailes Youth Council, a youth-led body working to strengthen youth voices in governance and build positive identity and confidence.
The Mémiyelhtel Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program shared how recreation creates opportunities to connect youth to the land. Iyáqthet Coordinator Kenrae Dorsey told the story of a participant who, through patience and consistent effort, progressed from a beginner snowboarder to confident on the slopes, illustrating how challenging themselves physically helps many youth shine.
Presentations were interspersed with dialogue, knowledge-sharing and activities that got people out of their seats and moving. One highlight was the land-based trivia competition.
As the first Strong and Sacred gathering in the region, the Fraser Salish Regional team is reviewing successes and lessons learned and plans to build on the momentum with other regional opportunities in the future.
