July 13, 2011 - Youth attending the Forging the Future – Potential Leaders Conference in Yellowknife have identified two important concerns they want to see addressed by future leaders of the Northwest Territories:  consultations for regional treatment centers and the addition of school counsellors in every school in the NWT.

The conference, hosted by Premier Floyd Roland, was attended by 51 young adults, aged 18 – 25 from across the NWT.  The Premier will include the conclusions of the conference in his transitional report to the next Legislative Assembly.

The Premier encouraged participants to voice opinions about their specific concerns, and to seek out ways to address them in a respectful manner.

“When it comes to politics, you have the power to create change,” he said. “You have seen this world through more modern eyes than I did while growing up in Inuvik.  Take what you’ve learned, share it and grow it.”

Minister Responsible for Youth Robert McLeod was in attendance for the first day of the conference along with other members of the Northern Leaders Forum: Grand Chief Sam Gargan, President of NWT Association of Communities and Mayor of Yellowknife Gordon Van Tighem, and the Inuvialuit Regional Corp.

Last summer, Premier Roland asked young adults to participate in a visioning exercise for the future of the NWT.  Many said they wanted more opportunities to engage with leaders and to be involved in decision making.   Last week’s conference provided that opportunity.

The Premier said he was impressed by the topics brought forward by the youth and the level of discussion that was held.  He noted many of the issues raised by youth reflected those discussed at the Northern Leaders Conferences, and the recent Western Premiers Conference.

For more information contact:

James MacKenzie
Office of the Press Secretary
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
james_mackenzie@gov.nt.ca