Thank you, Mr. Speaker. "Educators need to be committed to maintaining safe spaces. If not, kids then don't trust their schools to keep them safe." -Northern Mosaic Network.

Youth who identify as 2SLGBTQIPA+ may experience discrimination, harassment, and violence from other students, educators, community members, and leaders. Many youth do not feel safe expressing their sexual orientation and gender identity in the NWT. Indigenous youth who identify as 2SLGBTQIPA+ may face additional layers of harm due to the intersection of racism and homophobia. One youth said that many Indigenous 2SLGBTQIPA+ youth are on the "fringes" of their communities. Research has shown that 2SLGBTQIPA+ students suffer from greater rates of mental health issues and suicide. Their sexual orientation and gender identity does not inherently put 2SLGBTQIPA+ youth at a higher risk for suicide, but, rather, the lack of acceptance, mistreatment, and hatred for the 2SLGBTQIPA+ community increases the likelihood of suicidal ideation and loss of life to suicide. It is not enough to "tolerate" 2SLGBTQIPA+. Adults including educators, leaders and community members need to actively educate themselves and work to be accepting and inclusive of 2SLGBTQIPA+ youth in schools and the broader community. Committee therefore recommends:

Recommendation 9: Education, Culture and Employment make the guidelines for ensuring LGBTQ+ equity, safety and inclusion in the Northwest Territories schools training mandatory in Northwest Territories schools.

Youth Centres

"Youth know what they need, and they know what they want." - AYDA Women Youth shared what they want in a youth centre:

• Physical spaces that are free from drugs, alcohol and any forms of violence;
• Environments that are inclusive, positive and uplifting;
• Consistent, healthy and fun programming and activities that give youth meaningful things to do;
• Indigenous youth want cultural and language programming and activities with elders and knowledge-keepers. Some examples include elders' stories, cutting dry meat, making a tipi, igloo or sod house, learning how to trap, singing Indigenous songs, etc.;
• Leadership opportunities including youth-led programming;
• Celebrating success and success stories with people who have similar life experiences; and,
• Dedicated staff who truly care.

Youth centres are important places in the community. They are safe spaces where youth can gather with friends and have healthy outlets for their emotions. Diverse programming and activities give youth opportunities for learning and skill development and building confidence and resilience. Indigenous youth's identities are nurtured and empowered with culture, language, and on the land programming. Connections in the community are strengthened. Youth shared that these spaces, combined with the factors of success described above, and what they want, are directly linked to suicide prevention. Committee therefore recommends:

Recommendation 10: Municipal and Community Affairs increase funding for the youth centres' initiative to a maximum of $100,000 for each recipient to ensure that youth have a positive and safe spaces to be free of alcohol, drugs, and violence.

I'd now like to pass this over to the Member for Kam Lake. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.