Written by Taylor Behn-Tsakoza
Being a part of the BCAFN Youth Forum for the first time as a co-host was both liberating and nerve wracking. Though being guided and supported by BCAFN staff and the team at IndigenEYEZ throughout the process of planning and implementing the event easily correlates to the success we had. Adapting to an online forum was a unique challenge but proved to be seamless with about 20-30 youth attending both the lead up sessions and main forum. The title of the forum was “Learning to Lead in an Online World”. Ice breakers, improv, meditation and three amazing keynote speakers really brought our idea to life. It felt fulfilling to provide youth the opportunity to grow together in a time of isolation. The BCAFN Youth Leadership and Connection Project was a great learning experience for me, as a newly elected BCAFN Representative, to better understand Indigenous youth priorities in BC. Climate change, elder-youth exchanges and youth-led projects were highlights for me from our brainstorm session. Knowing these tidbits of information makes me feel more confident in my role and provides me direction to continue the work as a BCAFN Youth Representative.
Mussi-cho to Allan and Erika from IndigenEYEZ for sharing their gifts of engaging youth in such a fun way and for creating a safe and welcoming online environment for all! Also to our keynote speakers: Shayla Stonechild, Siobhan Detkavich & Madeline Terbasket, mussi for sharing your stories.
Can’t wait for the BCAFN Youth Forum 2022!