In the boardroom of Membertou First Nation’s band room, the community’s newly elected chief and youth council met Monday for their inaugural meeting of the 2024-2025 session.

The group engaged in lively discussions on topics including volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and their aspirations to host and participate in cultural and language teaching such as sweat lodges and youth culture camps.

Maddox Paul, grade 11 student and new youth chief, expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to amplify the voices of youth in the Mi’kmaw community near Sydney, NS.

“I’m glad the young people can trust me with the great responsibility of being chief,” Paul said.

He said he admires the achievements of past chiefs and youth councils, highlighting initiatives such as creating a school lunch program for Mi’kmaw students at Sydney Academy and organizing special low-sensitivity events for youth with sensory issues.

The council will be responsible for addressing concerns and challenges faced by youth in the community.

Members are also expected to attend and volunteer at community events such as living rooms and ceremonies, in addition to organizing its own events and initiatives.

Mia MacDonald, 10th grader and new vice principal, said she is inspired by the work of past youth councils organizing salites, making wreaths and helping seniors.

“I can’t wait to help the older people and be more (involved) in the community than before and also be a really good role model for the younger kids, that’s really important,” MacDonald said.

Jordyn Devoe, a 10th grader on the youth council, said the new council seems naturally adept at working together.

She has a big goal to accomplish this year on the council.

“Honestly, I just want to create a better learning environment for future generations,” Devoe said.

Council members will learn how to propose motions and vote on initiatives for youth-led events throughout the year. They are encouraged and will be given the opportunity to share their ideas or concerns with the Membertou Chief and Council.

This experience is expected to provide them with leadership skills and enable them to effectively navigate community politics.

Tenth grade student and councilor Trennan Paul said his passion lies in participating in cultural activities and that the new chief and youth council will hold workshops to teach Mi’kmaw skills: “cultural things here and there, like speaking languages. Spear workshops, fishing in general.”

The chief and youth council operate under the Membertou governing committee. As a councilor holding the governance portfolio, Paul Bradley Gould will support the weekly youth council sessions.

He said he looks forward to seeing what the youth council will accomplish during the year.

“From the beginning, I’ve seen that they’re eager to get involved and volunteer and they’re eager to get out into the community, host events, and that’s good to see,” Gould said.

“I would like every community to have a chief and youth council throughout Mi’kma’ki.”