The Building Vibrant Youth Action Team has released some additional videos to add to the Video Series that showcases mentorship, leadership and positive youth development.
For most people, adolescence is a period of great change and many challenges. Positive youth development is strengths-based approach to helping youth grow and reach their full potential. This approach recognizes that the healthy development of young people is based on both their individual skills and talents and the positive resources and supports available to them in their home, school and community. Everyone can contribute to the positive development of the young people around them by acting intentionally to engage youth in opportunities to enhance their interests, skills, abilities as they grow into adulthood. Getting started is as simple as saying “hi” and taking a genuine interest in a young person you know.
Young people who have strong, positive relationships with adults, who are engaged and involved in their community, who feel valued and respected by those around them and who have opportunities to learn, build skills and give back are resilient. Resilient youth are more likely to stay and do well in school, to have positive mental health, to display leadership abilities and are also less likely to engage in risk taking behaviours, such as substance use and vandalism.
The Building Vibrant Youth Action Team works to empower northern Saskatchewan communities to respectfully engage, mentor and build relationships with their youth.
Strong relationships will empower youth to overcome challenges and make healthier choices.
To build robust, healthy and successful communities, we require positive role models to engage the youth.
All adults can be mentors. There are no particular qualifications needed and there is no one right way to do it (ie. Mentorship can be one-on-one, groups, etc.). The important thing is to build a positive, caring relationship.
Every positive connection between youth and adult, makes the youth more resilient. The more connections a young person has, the more resilient and healthier they are.
Check out the videos below showcasing Alton Michel as he mentors youth through land-based learning in Pelican Narrows and Shane Bird as he mentors youth through traditional drumming in La Ronge.
For more information about NHCP check out our Facebook page and Youtube channel.
Learning and participating in traditional and cultural practices builds and protects youth wellbeing. Be a resilience builder.
It is never too late to get out and enjoy the land, whether through hunting, trapping or even enjoying some physical activity. In order for our young people to learn and appreciate culture and traditions, they need mentors to show them the way. “I desire for young people to be taught this way” Elder Elias Sewap. “ "Being out on the land and mentoring youth brings a sense of pride to your culture, your family, and learning the ways of your elders” Alton Michel.
Here is a story of a land based program from Pelican Narrows.
Indigenous Spirits is a youth-led movement to bring back traditions, culture, land-based learning, and language to unite the community. This video showcases Shane Bird and the youth he mentors through the traditional activity of drumming.