In July of 2010, the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council and FHQ Leadership wanted a program developed to better meet the needs of the First Nations Youth in the 11 communities the tribal council serves.  A young engagement strategy was implemented and a Youth Action Plan better known as YAP was developed to ensure the youth voices were being heard.

In February 2011, YAP held it’s first youth gathering where the youth were able to share their views, needs and wants to the FHQ Leadership and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo. Since the first gathering, the YAP Leadership Team has established YAP groups in the FHQ communities and hold monthly meetings in the communities.  The meetings include programs being delivered to the youth on topics such as; Youth Suicide Prevention, Tobacco Cessation, Brighter Futures and Building Healthy Communities, Mental Health and Solvent Abuse

It’s important to FHQ Leadership to get the youth involved in their communities to help them become stronger, vibrant and healthier places to live.

The Youth Leadership Team would like all youth from the 11 First Nations to join YAP and become a member of the youth movement.  Each month, the YAP team holds a meeting in one of the 11 communities.

The YAP team envisioned a three-year consultation process to ensure the tribal council is hitting the mark on understanding the needs and wants in the communities it serves.

Year 1- Consultation Meetings

Year 2- Strategic Planning and Implementation

Year 3- Taking Action

To measure success in YAP all meeting attendance is monitored, projects will be initiated by the youth, developing work plans and ensure targets are met and improve communication between the communities and tribal council.

For more information contact:

Holly Yuzicapi

FHQ Youth Leadership Team