We have seen large growth in skill development of the youth attending St’uxwtéws Bonaparte First Nation (SBFN) services.  After almost one year of being able to introduce group sessions for youth to this community we see how developed their skills have become in the academic achievements and growth in certain areas for the youth.  An example of this is a youth that struggled with attendance at school who has now changed the trajectory of their life by choosing to attend school, community events, and cultural practices after receiving exposure to those with lived experience describing their life as a result of not finishing school, living without homes, and suffering in the toxic drug crisis.  They have really zeroed in on developing the skills required to be responsible adults fueled by the knowledge now of what the outcome of some of the poorly directed choices will produce. A large group of our older youth are now budgeting their money from part-time jobs and summer jobs that they were supported in getting through our sessions on interviewing skills, resume building, and workplace etiquette. We were able to bring in Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) to assist us in teaching these skills and they were so well received by the youth.  It has been amazing to watch them become employed and see their pride in their paycheques and the budgeting to allow them to go on trips and purchase goods that they have worked for. 

The impact is so layered from this project.  Of course, the direct impact on the youth that participate is that they have become more connected to their culture, they are learning the ways of their ancestors and the knowledge held by those still here.  Their learning and participation, in turn has impacted their families, both nuclear and extended.  They are showing up in their families with knowledge of the traditional roles that they play at events, ceremonies and the protocols that are required of them.  Which in turn, has a huge impact on the community, as the youth are now showing up at wakes, fire tending (males), food support and infrastructure support for events and ceremonies’ (female).  They come together with the elders and offer support which gets them away from their devices and more engaged in community life.  One of the largest complaints and deficits we have heard about and experienced in this community was the lack of engagement from the youth. It has changed dramatically, and this is so evident now in this community.  What is lovely and powerful in this is that all this learning and work and change have fortified the future of this nation, which impacts the lives of Canadians.