The Montreal Aboriginal Youth Council has a lot of work ahead of it.
They’re planning an inter-tribal youth gathering this June 26 in Kahnawake, complete with workshop and traditional activities.
They plan to have traditional dancing and story-telling, talks by Native rolemodels and a regular dance. They’re currently on the look-out for Native singers and groups. Included in the gathering is the Mohawk Feast In the Forest, a feast of traditional Mohawk foods and culture.
The youth council says the gathering will reflect Native culture, traditions and respect. At the present moment the Youth Council is looking for sponsorship of this day-and-a-half event.
The youth council was formed six months ago. It offers help to Native adoptees searching for their biological roots, and a youth parent support group that
meets every Tuesday afternoon at the Friendship Centre, located at 2001 St. Laurent.
The council also organizes a free gym night every Friday for all ages from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 3711 rue DeBullion.
On Fridays, from 6 to 9 p.m., the council offers a drum night for those wishing to learn, practice or pass on songs. Dancers are welcome and people are available to teach traditional dances.
And every Wednesday, a Seventh Fire Youth Group offers games and workshops starting at 6 p.m.
The council also organizes healing circles and craft workshops, but you have to call the friendship centre for times and places.
The youth council is particulary glad that Ethel Blodin, federal Secretary of State, announced $100 million in funding over the next five years for Urban Multi-purpose Aboriginal Youth Centre Initiatives. The youth council and the friendship centre hope to see an urban youth center happening in Montreal in the near future. This federal program is a result of the growing number of Native youth in today’s urban centres.
If you have a little time to volunteer or a donation for the gathering, give the Friendship Centre a call at (514) 499-1854.
