New Opportunities for Aboriginal Youth in the Far North
October 5, 2010
McGuinty Government Empowers Aboriginal Youth
Aboriginal youth living in remote communities along the James Bay coast will be able to participate in new recreational activities this winter.
Two new youth wellness workers have been hired to develop programming to promote leadership skills, self esteem and physical activity among Aboriginal youth in Kashechewan. Hired from within the community, the wellness workers will collaborate with youth to develop programs, and provide tools and mentoring to help them reach their full potential.
Ontario and Kashechewan First Nation joined together in this initiative to inspire and motivate Aboriginal youth through recreation. The program responds to calls from the community to provide intervention and prevention programs to support youth in crisis.
QUICK FACTS
- Kashechewan First Nation is home to about 200 young people under the age of 19.
- A total of four youth wellness workers have been hired, creating supports for youth along James Bay Mushkegowuk coastal communities.
- More than half of First Nations children are overweight and rates of diabetes among Aboriginal people are three to five times higher than those of the general Canadian population.
