Year 2000 for Aboriginal youth was unforgettable

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The year 2000 was one not to forget, one filled with many great stories on Aboriginal youth and their contributions to their community. We've seen Aboriginal youth receive honors at the SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence, and seen them graduate with the class of 2000.

The year 2000 also marked the beginning of a new era, the new millennium. However, some people may argue that the new millennium doesn't begin until the year 2001. If so, can we say we are a year ahead of our time? Fortunately our people have known this for hundreds of years, which is why 'Indian Time' is now something to be proud of.

When I look back, I can't help but look at the many controversial issues our Native leaders and organizations have dealt with, which probably made it difficult for them to place Native youth as a priority. First there was the PST issue, where the province made off reserve Indians subject to the provincial sales tax, which was part of a treaty right that was lost. There were the Aboriginal men who were allegedly dropped off to freeze to death outside of Saskatoon by the City Police.

Then before everything came to rest, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) went under fire when their CEO Dutch Lerat was accused of mis-spending SIGA funds. Before the year ended, an audit of SIGA's expenditures was released by the province, revealing more mis-spending, and the entire board of directors was fired.

The year 2000 was a controversial year for First Nations leaders and organizations. It was a year of mistakes and a process of learning. This probably made it hard for leaders to make issues facing Aboriginal youth a main priority. Hopefully the year 2001 won't be so controversial, and leaders can take a more aggressive approach to handling Aboriginal youth issues and, of course, the government.

As for Aboriginal youth, the year 2000 was all but an average year. Yes we received awards, participated in large sporting events and had some challenges along the way. But the statistics remained unchanged - same unemployment rate, same drop out rate, same crime rate, and an increase in suicide in other parts of the country. Which makes me wonder, are the governments initiatives to decrease the social problems of Native youth improving or declining? Are First Nations leaders doing their job to see positive changes on the reserves and in the urban areas where many of our youth suffer?

I can't really say that change has been created with initiatives that governments and Indian organizations have promised for Aboriginal youth. However, I can say that the annual events have still benefited Aboriginal youth, such as the Winter and Summer Games and the SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards. These events have brought thousands of youth together, to compete against each other and honor each other for their achievements. There were many youth conferences as well, such as Leadership Choices 2000+, which brought over 2500 youth to learn about career development and career opportunities.

Overall, Aboriginal youth have seen the year 2000 as a time that should have improved social problems, however nothing much has progressed since. Many governments have not seen how they failed to reach the youth and work with them. So who do we blame for this poor year of failed youth initiatives? In the 'Indian System' it would be wrong to blame our leaders, because it wouldn't make us look good as Aboriginal youth, right? What about taking a cheap shot at the Canadian Alliance? Then again what did they ever do?

Leaders need to work with the youth, and understand their needs are just as important as Native people in general. Besides, we will be in power in the next 20 years.

Aboriginal youth are our future, they are the next leaders, blah, blah, blah, we must invest in our youth, blah, blah, blah. Please, let's stop talking about it and do something, for the year 2001 and beyond. It's a new year, a time to make a difference. As a nation, we need t work with our youth, in creating youth initiatives and events that will positively affect them and their future. We cannot be greedy adults, making money off the word 'Aboriginal youth' and not see them benefit from it. It cannot be a business move to make our white counterparts happy. It cannot be another initiative that will make more money for the economy. I've seen it happen. Aboriginal youth is a great word to use in a business proposal, and corporations buy it. If Aboriginal youth are not benefiting, it needs to stop now.

Young people have fresh minds, and older people have the experience to guide them. It is the year 2001, the beginning of an evolution and a baby boom of Aboriginal youth. Let's empower the youth, so they can have the power in the future to lead our nation.

Before I go I must give props to the Prince Albert Grand Council for setting up an office for the 2001 First Nations Winter Games. In this office, Aboriginal students will participate in the administration and co-ordination of the games by working with mentors to gain work experience. This is a fine example of how our leaders should work with youth, and how everyone can win in the end. Until next month, peace out and Happy New Year.