Mr. Speaker, with the recent announcement of the delay of the 2022 Arctic Winter Games, I wanted to reach out to Northwest Territories youth and offer some words of encouragement to anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or disappointed by this news. As Minister responsible for Youth, I want to point out that young people can accomplish many incredible initiatives when they are motivated and take charge. I would like to start by using the example of the Western Arctic Youth Collective's Local 2 Global Community Exchange held in Inuvik on March 2nd to 4th of this year. The organizers, a group of very dedicated young people, recently received an Arctic Inspiration Prize, which will help resource and highlight this event. It was a wonderful recognition of an inspiring effort by northern youth.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs also has resources that can assist with youth initiatives whether they are led by youth or youth supporting organizations. These include the:
- NWT Youth Corps, including support for larger multiyear projects;
- Youth contributions designed for smaller one-time events;
- Regional youth sport events focused on schools and communities to support tournaments in our regional centres and our smaller communities; and
- Children Youth Resiliency Program, which supports existing or new programs intending to help younger residents with learning the basics of physical literacy and mental health resiliency.
There are also dozens of programs that the department supports through other organizations, which includes:
- Northern Youth Abroad;
- Western Arctic Moving Pictures;
- Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning;
- Foster Family Coalition; and
- smaller local and regional projects through community governments and school agencies.
I also want to encourage youth to consider the NWT Youth Ambassador Program. The program offers a guided and structured volunteer experience. Participants have the opportunity to develop life and job skills as well as to build the confidence necessary to deal with complex life challenges. Later this spring, the department will be announcing a 2021 online event. Youth can reach out to any Municipal and Community Affairs Offices for more information on available opportunities.
In closing, I want our youth to know that your communities and the Government of the Northwest Territories are here to support you. Please reach out to local staff and representatives to discuss ideas that you may have on what programs, activities, or initiatives may help you and other youth in your communities feel empowered and resilient. Some great initiatives have resulted from discussions like this in the past. It is so often the youth who show us what is possible. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
