Prophet River First Nation unveils youth council to empower young voices

PROPHET RIVER, B.C. — Applications are open for the newly established youth council in Prophet River First Nation (PRFN).

A post on Facebook from September 24th says potential benefits for joining the youth council include “building leadership skills.”

According to the post, it will also co-ordinate two events annually.

Lisa Wolf, the PRFN youth coordinator, says she wants those who apply to be the “eyes and ears” of the First Nation’s youth. Wolf took the job with PRFN this summer.

She says in shaping the council, she looked at other First Nations in southern B.C., including Westbank First Nation located in the Okanagan area.

“They’ll come up with ideas,” said Wolf.  “We’ll want them to come up with ideas for events and be facilitators for the community.”

“This is more of an organization with southern Indigenous communities.  It will be one of the first in northeastern B.C. It’s almost like a mini-chief and council, but with more council members.” 

Wolf says five youth have signed up for the initiative, and the goal is to recruit 12 permanent members.

Responsibilities of being involved in the council will include monthly training and participation in regular meetings to discuss and collaborate on the goings-on with the community.

“Putting this together will give the younger generation a voice, and sets them up as a potential council in the future,” said Wolf.

Although PRFN members living on reserve will be preferred, off-site PRFN members can also be included.

The PRFN youth council are currently accepting applications until October 18th, for all PRFN members aged 14 to 25.

For further information, visit PRFN’s website or Facebook page.