The National Inuit Youth Council (NIYC) represents the interests of Inuit youth in Canada. Across the Inuit regions of Inuvialuit, Kitikmeot, Kivalliq, Qikiqtaaluk, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut, there is an estimated 45,000 Inuit living in 53 communities. Inuit youth make up a clear majority of the overall population.
Inuit youth elect the President of the NIYC during a National Inuit Youth Summit. Each of the 6 Regional Youth Councils appoint one representative to serve as a director of the NIYC, 6 Regional Youth Coordinators, employed by the respective land claimant organizations, also participate in discussions and work of the council. The Youth Intervenor of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), our parent organization, also serves as Secretary Treasurer for the NIYC.
History
The first National Inuit Youth Summit was held in Kuujjuaq, Quebec in November of 1994. Along with the formation and election of the first board, 13 resolutions were passed on a variety of issues, including education, justice, recreation, youth camps, communication, Inuit youth well-being, youth participation in Inuit organizations, codes of conduct for Inuit organization and Inuit participation in United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
A new executive was elected during the next NIYC summit, which was held in February, 1997 in Iqaluit, NU. The main discussion item was the question of whether the National Inuit Youth Council should continue to exist. There was a strong support of NIYC’s continued existence and it was reaffirmed that the NIYC takes it direction from regions and communities.
The NIYC met again as a working group in Cambridge Bay, NU in January, 2000 to set out their scope in improving communications and reporting methods; brainstorming for the National Inuit Youth Newsletter as well as an Inuit Youth web site. The NIYC also discussed Youth Centres in Inuit communities and awarded regional elders on their contributions and dedication to youth developments.
In February, 2002, the NIYC hosted a summit in Inuvik, NWT. The National Inuit Youth Council adopted the following as their top priorities for action:
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Language and culture
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Education and training
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Inuusiqatsiarniq / Suicide Prevention
In 2003, the National Inuit Youth Suicide Prevention Framework (NIYSPF) was undertaken and released, including a set of recommendations for action. ITK and NIYC have since been working together with partners on the implementation of these recommendations and taking direction from Inuit youth on the issue of suicide prevention.
Over 100 Inuit gathered in Inukjuak, Nunavik for the National Inuit Elders and Youth Conference in March 2003. They celebrated the Inuit culture and discussed topics such as traditional healing and shamanism, climate change, Inuktitut language, parenting skills, educational directions, economy, amongst others.
Nain, Labrador hosted the National Inuit Youth Summit in March of 2005. Elder and Youth delegates expressed their dreams, thoughts and feelings and provided further direction for the NIYC and Inuit youth. The summit was an opportunity to bring Inuit youth and elders together, which enabled them to share information and ideas and rekindle motivation and activity at the local level while building on regional and national partnerships.
The NIYC again brought together plane-loads of youth and elders to the National Inuit Elders and Youth Summit in Qamani’tuaq, Nunavut during March 2007. A new NIYC president was successfully elected at this meeting. In addition to that, it was decided that two elders, one female the other male, would serve as advisors to the NIYC Board with ex-officio status for a one-year term.
NIYC today
Regular phone conferences and meetings are held to keep communications open, exchange ideas, share information on resources and opportunities and guide NIYC projects and activities.
Based on input from Inuit youth, our suicide prevention efforts changed its focus. The Inuusiqatsiarniq project is a joint effort between ITK and the NIYC which encourages and supports life and well-being in Inuit communities by providing information, tools, resources and assistance for national policy development and grassroots action.
NIYC’s website, www.niyc.ca, gives youth and other visitors a chance to connect, open communications, raise awareness, hear what people think and feel and help each other. News, photos, resources, etc. are updated on a regular basis and site members contribute to chats and discussion forums.
The NIYC coordinates the Inuusiqatsiarniq project and is developing a comprehensive National Inuit Youth Strategy and plans to host the National Inuit Elders and Youth Summit in Qamanittuaq, NU in March, 2007.