G.O.V offers our Step Up youth opportunities to take back home

Over the spring break, 5 youth from KL’s Step Up Youth Advisory group visited Vancouver for “Gathering our Voices” (GOV). This Indigenous Youth Leadership Training Conference returned for the first time since the pandemic to unite youth in learning, growing, healing and sharing positive visions for their future. This year, over 1200 youth participants took part in in workshops, listened to keynote speakers, and met others from across the province.

Aiyana White from Snunwymuxw shares “It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of GOV. I am surrounded by so many Nations of Indigenous peoples. Let me tell you, it has been an overwhelming joy; the energy of our people coming together is unmatched. I have come on this trip with an empty cup because I am grieving hard for my sister, but each day I made connections with powerful people and my cup is slowly but surely being filled. I have learned to be connected to everything and attached to nothing. I have learned about myself through many workshops, stories, people, and experiences. I will forever carry everything in my heart and hold my hands with gratitude to anyone and everyone who made this possible. There has been a spark of hope for our future as people so it will continue.”

To read more on "Gathering Our Voices" click here