Miyo’sen Youth Group in Fort St. John gives teens a chance to connect

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Friendship Society is giving an option for young people to connect in the wake of unspeakable tragedies affecting local youth.

The Miyo’sen Youth Group meets weekly at the centre on 10208 95th Avenue and can help kids find friends and participate away from a digital environment, according to Brandi Kennedy.

Kennedy is the health and wellness coordinator of the society, and shared the information about the group on social media.

“We used to run for a long time before Covid hit,” said Kennedy in a conversation with Energeticcity.ca. “We then couldn’t get people to come so we shut it down.”

The group, open to youth between 13-19 years old, is run on Wednesdays, and its name means ‘good’ in the Cree language.

Kennedy toldEnergeticcity.ca the society revived the group in October, and following the deaths of two local teenagers, felt compelled to promote the group in the hopes it will help.

“I really felt led to share the information about the group and invite more kids, because they need an opportunity to connect time in real life with real kids,” said Kennedy.

Attendees who come will learn skills pertaining to a different program each week, along with cultural activities, potential field trips and chats with Elders. Dinner will also be provided for attendees.

Kennedy said she’s also looking to bring in guest speakers to chat with the teens about issues involving peer pressure, online bullying, self-love and self-esteem.

“[Kids] would experience some time to make some friends, learn some skills related to whatever we have going on that week, and have a nice meal,” said Kennedy.

The Miyo’sen Youth Group meets on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on 10208 95th 

Avenue in Fort St. John.

A non-profit organization, The Fort St. John Friendship Society provides programs and services to promote and build healthy lifestyles and relationships, according to its website.

The youth group is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and admission is free. Registration is not required, but preferred.
To register, please visit the registration website.