Climate Change

NWT Climate Change Youth Council

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Overview

The NWT NWT Climate Change Youth Council (CCYC) is established under the authority of the NWT Climate Change Council

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Purpose

Climate change is the defining issue of our time. The NWT Climate Change Council and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) recognize the key role that youth play in addressing climate change now and in the future. The purpose of the Climate Change Youth Council (CCYC) is to bring together the critical perspectives of youth from all NWT regions to:

  1. Engage other community members in an open and transparent dialogue on climate change;
  2. Understand the key climate-related issues, challenges, and perspectives to formulate youth priorities;
  3. Amplify the voices of NWT youth to influence policy and action by decision-makers;
  4. Empower members to influence and mobilize other youth to act; and
  5. Build the capacity, experience, and networks of engaged youth to be the next generation(s) of NWT climate leaders.

Through the CCYC, youth will provide input and advice to the NWT Climate Change Council on all matters pertaining to climate change. CCYC members are expected to be independent from and not a representative of any regional or political organization.

On behalf of the NWT Climate Change Council & the Department of Environment and Climate Change congratulations and welcome to the first cohort of the NWT Climate Change Youth Council!

Members by region

Beaufort Delta

  • TBD
  • TBD

Dehcho

  • Mary Ann Minoza
  • Lauren Corneille-Lafferty

North Salve

  • Tanisha Beaverho
  • Jody Ann Zoe

Sahtú

  • TBD

South Slave

  • Julia Gyapay
  • Reegan Jungkind

Yellowknife

  • James Thomas
  • Ellen Gillies
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Who can Apply

GNWT is seeking one additional youth from the Sahtú to join the group,

To apply you must be:

  • From the Sahtú Region
  • Between the ages of 18 and 30
  • An NWT resident and a current or previous resident of the region you plan to represent (recognizing that youth often leave for post-secondary study)
  • Experience, skills or knowledge that contribute to the vision of the Group
  • Interested in climate change policy and how to make an impact on they apply to the Northwest Territories.
  • Passionate about climate change and finding solutions to deal with it

Important abilities for all members include:

  • Leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with and bring forward the views of other youth and community members (including elders)
  • Ability to work with all other members in a respectful and productive manner.
  • Ability to assess, discuss and make recommendations on environmental and climate change issues

Knowledge, experience, or education about environmental-related issues are an asset, but no formal education is required.

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How to apply

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What is expected of members

  • Attend at least 3 virtual meetings  and one in person meeting annually
  • Time availability to prepare for and attend virtual meetings and engage with peers in home region and beyond.
  • Use software like Microsoft Teams and email to collaborate with other members of the advisory group.
  • Engage with your community – that means other youth and elders — and represent their voice on the group.
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What’s in it for you?

On top of making your voice heard to people who are making climate action happen in the NWT, you’ll receive:

  • An opportunity to learn about policy making and connect with the NWT CCC and inform GNWT climate action.
  • An honorarium — receive compensation for your time and commitment to making youth voices heard
    • Chair – $300 per day
    • Member – $250 per day
      • Chair and members - 50% per half-day (i.e., 3.5 hours or less)
  • A great opportunity to add to your resume
  • Opportunity to connect with youth across the NWT and establish a network with like-minded youth.
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How candidate selection works

The selection of successful candidates will be made by an NWT Climate Change Council sub-group, who will assess candidates based on a balance of:

  • Relevant experience, skills and knowledge that will help the Group advance its vision and value
  • Age, residency, and commitment to have the time to engage in the Group activities

 *For example:    

  1. Skills and experience: leadership, advocacy, working with others, communication, analysis, engagement, integrity.
  2. Local/regional knowledge and/or educational background relevant to the position and the needs of the CCYC:
    • Knowledge and understanding of climate change impacts, including Indigenous and local knowledge, and northern impacts and issues
    • Knowledge of territorial, provincial, national, and international climate change policies or targets 
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How the group is made up

The group strives to have regional diversity as climate change impacts vary across the NWT and will ideally include members from:

  • South Slave (2 members)
  • Dehcho (2 members)
  • Sahtú (2 members)
  • Beaufort Delta (2 members)
  • North Slave not including Yellowknife (2 members)
  • Yellowknife (2 members)

A Chairperson and Alternate Chairperson will be chosen by membership of the group.

Ideally, Consideration will be given to selecting one junior youth (18-24) and one senior youth (25-30) from each region.

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Application deadlines

  • Intake period will close on January 25, 2023 for the Sahtú, Beaufort Delta, Dehcho and North Slave region with the exception of Yellowknife. Please send your form to CYAG_GCJC@gov.nt.ca.
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Projects, highlights, and insights

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Administration

The Youth Advisory Group is supported by the GNWT's climate change and air quality unit.. They take care of things like budgeting, compensation, scheduling, note-taking, and liaising with the Climate Change Council on-behalf of the Youth Advisory Group. 

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