YELLOWKNIFE (November 9, 2012) – Forty-three new youth ambassadors and four returning youth mentors from across the Northwest Territories (NWT) have been selected to participate in the 2012-2013 NWT Youth Ambassador Program by the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

“The Youth Ambassador Program provides participants with an opportunity to build leadership skills through volunteer assignments at major events. Youth have the opportunity to represent their communities and the NWT while gaining valuable skills,” said Minister McLeod.

The Youth Ambassador Program provides a guided and structured volunteer experience for NWT youth at major events to develop significant life and job skills and build the confidence necessary for NWT youth to deal with many of the complex challenges in modern society.

This year, in addition to being a Youth Ambassador, youth had the option of choosing to apply for one of two specialized roles: Youth Ambassador Mentors, past participants who take on leadership roles or Youth Ambassador Traditional Games Demonstrators, who learn and demonstrate Inuit and Dene games while encouraging participation and teaching the cultural significance of the games. This year, 14 of the youth ambassadors and one mentor are participating in the Traditional Games.

NWT Youth Ambassadors are chosen based on community involvement, commitment to a healthy lifestyle and a personal reflection on how the Youth Ambassador Program will help them in the future. This year’s Ambassadors will attend a three day training session in Yellowknife in November, 2012 that prepares participants for their Youth Ambassador assignments over the next twelve months.

Support the NWT Youth Ambassador Program helps our future leaders build skills and confidence while fostering a strong volunteer ethic in northern youth. This program works towards the goals of ensuring healthy, educated people free from poverty and sustainable, vibrant, and safe communities across the territory as envisioned in the 17th Assembly’s priorities as outlined in Believing in Our People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners.

For more information, contact:

David Maguire
Communications and Web Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 920-3092