AMC MARKS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY BY CELEBRATING MANITOBA FIRST NATIONS YOUTH

Winnipeg, Manitoba: The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) through its Youth Secretariat marked International Youth Day by challenging organizations and businesses to partner with it in ways that will further empower and promote Manitoba First Nations Youth.

Accordingly, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Youth Secretariat celebrates Youth from across Manitoba and their accomplishments. “The First Nations population in Manitoba is young and there is a significant opportunity for the public and private sector to work with this group through partnerships, sponsorship, and employment and community collaborations” said Gord Petruic, AMC Youth Secretariat’s Youth Advocacy and Opportunity Coordinator.

As of March 2012, there were 140,975 registered First Nation members in Manitoba. According to the 2012 Registered Indian Population by Sex and Residence report, 84,303 (59.8 per cent) of First Nation members in Manitoba are under the age of 30. Of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba, it has six of the 20 largest bands in Canada.

Carla Cochrane, AMC Youth Secretariat Regional Youth Coordinator stated “We have a number of First Nations Youth from Manitoba excelling in their lives and communities through their education, culture, sport and business— we are proud to celebrate them and encourage partnerships so we can see more Youth succeed.”

Today, the AMC Celebrates First Nation Youth such as:

Shawon Kinew, 2012 Harvard Graduate

Kinew received her Hon. B.A. in the Specialist Program in Art History at the University of Toronto in 2008. She continued her education to receive a Masters and is now a PhD candidate in the History of Art and Architecture at Harvard University working on Roman Baroque sculpture under the supervision of Frank Fehrenbach. She was an organizer of Vasari/500: Envisioning New Directions in Vasari Studies (October 27-29, 2011), an international symposium held at Harvard University to mark the 500th Anniversary of Giorgio Vasari's birth.

Michael Champagne, Founder of AYO! (Aboriginal Youth Opportunities)

This ambitious young man from Winnipeg’s North End holds anti-violence rallies every Friday at under the label “Meet Me at the Bell Tower.” He is an outstanding volunteer creating change from the grassroots level in his community. His message is one of hard-work, peace and unity. Michael Champagne is a true inspiration to all Winnipeggers.

Sagkeeng’s Finest, 1st Place Winners of Canada’s Got Talent!

The Dance Trio from Sagkeeng First Nation jigged their way into the hearts of Canadians far and wide. Their accomplishment proves that First Nations Youth are excelling in many ways across the board and carving their own spot in Canadian Pop Culture.

Tchissakid Player (T-dre), 2012 Football Star and Star student

Tchissakid is an offensive lineman with Northwestern State University in Louisiana. His plan is to obtain a law degree. In high school he was chosen unanimously for first team All-District selection and was an honour-roll student. His aspirations are to play professional football and complete his PhD.

Public and Private sectors are invited to connect with the AMC Youth Secretariat and consider opportunities to work with the Secretariat by visiting the Assembly of Manitoba website at http://www.manitobachiefs.com

About International Youth Day

International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August. The United Nations Programme on Youth selects a theme for the day in consultation with youth organizations, the Department of Public Information and other UN system offices and agencies; a conceptual slogan that communicates the scope, direction, and objectives of the year’s youth initiatives and that also provides a unifying banner from under which individuals can draw the inspiration to take action. The theme chosen for International Youth Day 2012 – Building a Better World: Partnering with Youth – is a global call to action for young men and women, as well as other stakeholders around the world, to develop and engage in partnerships with and for youth towards building a better world.