NAN WELCOMES YOUTH FROM ACROSS THE TERRITORY FOR THE ANNUAL OSHKAATISAK NIIGAAN OJI GATHERING
THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Executive Council is pleased to welcome youth representatives from each NAN community for the Oshkaatisak Niigaan Oji Gathering taking place February 7-9, 2012 at the Best Western Nor’Wester in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
“NAN recognizes that our youth are the future of our generation,” said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit. “More than ever, NAN youth are engaging in community initiatives, becoming better educated, and branching out into rewarding First Nation job opportunities. But there are also many challenges facing our youth. We hope this Gathering further nurtures First Nation cultural opportunities for our youth, while also developing strategies to help our youth overcome the more difficult issues facing them.”
The Oshkaatisak Council (formerly “Decade for Youth”) is comprised of a group of young people from various NAN communities who are committed to increasing the quality of life in First Nation communities today and in the future. Through the Oshkaatisak Development Office they host this conference every year to provide another way for youth to learn and grow with peers in a positive way.
A highlight of the Gathering is a keynote address Thursday morning by Doris Slipperjack, a member of Eabametoong First Nation. The young mother is the subject of a short documentary called “The Life You Want” which profiles her struggles to overcome her addiction to prescription drugs. The film has been used in training sessions with medical professionals, as well as in schools.
Some other highlights include a sweat lodge, and a performance by two-time Juno Award winner Derek Miller on Wednesday night.
There will also be presentations in the areas of Healthy Needs, Gang Prevention, Youth in First Nations Governance, Women Empowerment, Economic Development, and a Career Fair centred on health and opportunities related to the Ring of Fire.
More information on Oshkaatisak Niigaan Oji Gathering 2012 is located at www.nan.on.ca.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty No. 9 and Ontario portions of Treaty No. 5 – an area covering two thirds of the province of Ontario. www.nan.on.ca | 
