Youth Join and Advise ICWC Steering Committee — Indigenous Culture and Wellness Centre Edmonton

The Indigenous Culture and Wellness Centre Steering Committee welcomed young people to the team to help shape the Centre and ensure youth are represented in the decision-making process. Ashlynn Yellowknee, Mackenzie Brown, and Luke Wigger joined the Steering Committee in February 2020 and have been providing input and feedback from a youth community member perspective.

“I personally have always encountered youth who feel as though our voices are being neglected. When our youth feel they aren’t being heard, it eventually turns into resentment and feelings of hopelessness. That resentment could stay with them as they develop into adults,” said Ashlynn Yellowknee. “I like to think I can play the role of a channel for those who feel unheard, in order to break that cycle, we must begin listening to our young people. This role on the steering committee provides me the opportunity to do that.”

There’s been some unique learning opportunities for the youth since they’ve joined. Mackenzie mentioned that some of her main learnings are around the emphasis on Indigenous governance throughout the project. “It’s important that everyone gets a chance to speak, and with that, things take time. As youth, we are used to information coming quickly and things move so fast. I’m appreciating the importance of taking our time and doing it right. We are not just building a Centre, we are trying to build a foundation.”

Ashlynn talked about how she learned it’s possible for initiatives to be Indigenous-led, instead of only being ”said.” She also discovered relationship-building is a key component in any project. She feels reassured knowing the Indigenous Peoples who serve on projects like this one are serving the Edmonton area with their continual efforts to lift the collective Indigenous community.

Luke felt that youth were an important part of developing this project because the centre ultimately will be a place where youth should feel welcome. “We are planning for future youth to access the development and how they can be involved.”

Mackenzie added that when the group is thinking about creating something - they have to keep seven generations in mind. Future, past and present will all use the centre and it’s proved to her that youth and children should be more involved in projects like this to help plan communities and cities. “Young children can be so insightful. They have no prejudices yet - they are just pure and honest. Their answers are so matter-of-fact and truthful.”

The group is very excited to have a space for Indigenous People to gather and access cultural support. The Centre has been a long time coming. Ashlynn says it’s a relief for her to know the children growing up in the city will have a cultural space specifically for them.

“Through my experience, many people will be able to learn and receive help from the programming that will be available at the Centre.” said Luke. “What I find is most important is that we don't have any centers built around Indigenous culture and wellness here in Edmonton, and this development makes sure that we will have a place.”

Mackenzie stresses that the importance of this project cannot be understated. “Historically, we had space to come together as a community - we didn’t have borders. We can grow when we have the community in one place and learn from one another.”

Ashlynn agreed and mentioned that for many years Indigenous People didn’t have space for ceremonial activity in the city - and at one time it was outlawed. “I grew up in this city feeling displaced and a burden to our society. Seeing the Indigenous population harassed for attempting to be themselves made me feel disposable and unimportant to society,” said Ashlynn. “Once this project is completed - myself and other Indigenous folks will have a space set aside for us specifically to gather and access cultural support required for us to find our roots.”