ATTAWAPISKAT – Make a difference. That is the message from Chelsea Jane Edwards. The young woman, whose home is in Attawapiskat, is also a member of the Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities. Edwards shares, “I didn’t know the Council was even being formed. They contacted me via email, and had asked if I was interested on joining the Premier’s Council. I accepted, of course, because I love helping youth”.
Youth Council Offers Opportunity
“I know how it feels to feel like I had no say in something,” adds Edwards. The energetic young woman has been a part of the ongoing efforts in Attawapiskat to make a difference. That has included the “Shannen’s Dream” efforts toward having a real school for the youth in her community.
Getting involved can, for young people lead them to a path of learning how to make a difference.
Chelsea says, “I actually got nominated as Vice Chair”.
“Then once I accepted, I had to go through the same process as the new applicants will go through: filling the application out, then going for an interview. It was enjoyable.”
Edwards is the winner of the 2012 Dr. Graham Chance Award.
From the desire to make things better for the youth in her community, Chelsea has taken that message world-wide. Her journey has not been without pitfalls and setbacks, Shannen Koostachin, her best friend was killed in a car accident in 2010, and that tragedy thrust Chelsea into the forefront of the fight. This outspoken and yet shy young woman has taken the word from the small community of Attawapiskat all the way to Geneva Switzerland where she spoke to the United Nations. She has taken the message to the government of Canada, and through the media around the world.
Every youth has the potential to step up and make a difference! The journey is one of growth and excitement.
Interested?
Get Involved!
If you want to make a difference for youth and bring the voice of your peers to the table. You can apply to become a member of the Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities.
The Council wants to hear from you on how best to improve our programs and services for youth so that young people in Ontario have every opportunity to succeed.
Things to know about the council:
- The Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities is a 25-member group of youth (ages 16 to 25), young professionals and leaders. The council gives advice to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Children and Youth Services on issues affecting youth. The council also gives advice on how the government can improve programs and services for youth.
- Council members also talk to youth in their home communities to bring even more voices into government decision-making.
- Members are appointed for one year terms with the possibility for re-appointment.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Public Appointment Secretariat. To contact the council, please email PCYO@ontario.ca.
Related articles
