News

Ama sii kuulh (Happy New Year) I am very excited to come home and report about my trip to British Columbia Youth Parliament’s 74th Annual Session (now be referred to as just Session) . BCYP is a group of 95 youth from all over BC who gather to learn about politics and most importantly to be a part of an organization that is run by and for youth. This organization definitely lives up to it motto of “Youth Serving Youth” This bunch of highly organized youth not only runs the Session but also plans a youth camp for under privileged children called Camp Phoenix and several fundraisers such as Sweet Dreams, a dessert auction held in the Lower Mainland consisting of “live entertainment, delectable sweets, an evening of magic.” For more info about any of these activities please visit: http://www.bcyp.org/

I was very honoured to be one of these 95 youth selected to participate in this year’s session. My only regret is I did not know about it sooner, the program is for youth ages 15 to 21, so it was a short but sweet experience because I am just barely within the age limit. I didn’t really know what to expect when I arrived in Victoria on December 27th, we walked into the Parliament building and it was amazing. The legislative room was remarkable, all the marble and detail that went into the art work in and around the room was so nice. We also had the opportunity to take a tour of the Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo’s house . That was a beautiful building, I saw prints from local artists such as Art Wilson and Ken Mowatt. As the only first nations person there, I was very proud to say those pieces of art were made by Gitxsan artists. Being the only First Nation’s member of BCYP this year also gave me a chance to share my traditional knowledge with my new found friends.

With all the important things that were said I think the one thing that stood out the most is when the Minister for Lower Mainland East Mike Silvergieter said “… many of you have probably been referred to as the Leaders of Tomorrow. I disagree. Looking around this room, and from what I have seen at camp (phoenix) and elsewhere, I totally disagree. We are the Leaders of Today!" He received a well deserved standing ovation. And it totally dawned on me that he was exactly right, I was sitting in a room with 94 other leaders of their respective communities, and I am a young leader of my community.

If you would like the full story, all the details or more info about BCYP, please email me at the address listed below or just give me a call.

Sa Bax

Bambie Tait
Director of Youth
Gitxsan Treaty Office
1650 Omineca Street
Hazelton, BC, V0J 1Y0
(250) 842.6780 Local 373
btait@gitxsan.com