Our Youth Lead the Way to a Safer, Healthier, and More Inclusive Community

What Happens Upstream’ June 2024 Youth Leadership Council Update

way’ Relations!

In the past month, our Youth Leadership Council (YLC) has been rolling up their sleeves and diving headfirst into the YLC campaign ‘What Happens Upstream,’ to bring forth our syilx strengths and uplift community safety and wellness initiatives.

The Okanagan Indian Band Youth Council has launched an inspiring campaign titled “What Happens Upstream,” which aims to highlight the critical connection between upstream activities and their downstream impacts on communities, ecosystems, and future generations. This initiative underscores the importance of taking care of the place we stand, leaving eggs of knowledge (intergenerational knowledge) as our offering, and calling in proactive community engagement in addressing community safety and wellness initiatives. All of this cares for the wellness of the stream where we currently stand, clearing the muddy waters.

The YLC remains committed to addressing and calling for action and support on pressing issues within our community, focusing on substance use and overdose. They are taking actionable steps to enhance safety and awareness, such as increasing the availability of sharps containers and naloxone stations and running comprehensive naloxone campaigns. By advocating for programs like gift card exchange for sharps and promoting nasal naloxone use, they aim to make harm reduction resources more accessible. Their push to bring unsafe structures to a safer state reflects their commitment to a secure environment for all.

In terms of community road safety, the Council is emphasizing the need for enhanced evening security in HOL, 6 Mile, and Whiteman’s areas. Exploring Indigenous Pre-Cadet Tribal Policing training and developing a Guardians Program are pivotal steps toward building a safer community. Their advocacy for speed monitoring and child safety measures around high-risk areas, such as installing speed bumps and cameras, highlights their proactive approach to safeguarding our children and creating a secure living environment.

Furthermore, the Youth Leadership Council is dedicated to fostering culturally competent policing and mentorship opportunities. They advocate for an increased police presence that respects OKIB community protocols and emphasizes authentic relationship-building within the community. Addressing organized crime among Youth and providing mentorship through Youth-specific counsellors and Big Sibling programs are vital initiatives. Their efforts extend to providing resources for Youth conflict resolution, creating safe spaces for Youth, and supporting grief processing through workshops and community support. By promoting education and inclusivity for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and addressing mental health and disabilities with a focus on intergenerational healing and coping mechanisms, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive community.

The Youth Leadership Council calls upon all OKIB community members, businesses, and organizations to join us in lifting up our dream to create a safer, more inclusive, and supportive environment for our young people. Your involvement and support are crucial in making a tangible difference in our community.

Here’s how you can help:

• Community Members:
• Volunteer your time and skills to support our programs and initiatives. Whether it’s mentoring a young person, participating in community safety patrols, or attending our educational workshops, your contribution is invaluable.
• We have the materials—plenty of hides and drum frames—but we need the teachings and guidance to bring these drums to life. We’re looking for someone with knowledge of the drum-making protocol to share their skills in workshops for our Youth.
• If you have place-based knowledge and a heart to teach, we need you. Let’s create a space where our youth can connect with mentors, learn cultural teachings, and strengthen our community ties.
• Community Clean-up Initiatives: Our youth have expressed a strong desire (and begun some of the work) to start cleaning up Pebble Park and the HOL Cemetery. This is another chance for us to come together as a community, honour our loved ones and Ancestors, and take care of the land.
• Advocate for safer public spaces by reporting hazards and participating in community clean-up efforts even if just within your own family.
• Promote inclusivity and understanding by engaging in self-education and conversations about mental health, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and cultural competency.
• Businesses:
• Sponsor our initiatives such as naloxone stations, sharps containers, and educational campaigns. Your financial support can help us expand our reach and impact.
• Provide employment opportunities and mentorship for our youth, helping them gain valuable skills and experience.
• Partner with us to host community events, workshops, and awareness campaigns that promote safety, inclusivity, and well-being.
• Organizations:
• Collaborate with us to develop and implement programs or initiatives that address the key issues we are tackling, such as substance use, road and community safety, and mental health.
• Offer your expertise and resources to support our training and educational initiatives, supporting our community.
• Advocate for policy changes and funding that support our goals, ensuring that our community’s needs are met at all levels.

Together, we can create a community where every youth feels safe, valued, and supported. Join us in making a lasting impact. To get involved or learn more about how to help, please contact Odessa Clough, YLC Motivator, at [email protected].