NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2016

Dakwäkäda (Haines Junction) – Our Voices and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) are excited to announce the 2016 Our Voices emerging youth leaders gathering will be held August 3-7 in the CAFN Traditional Territory.

“Champagne and Aishihik First Nations is excited to host the 2016 Our Voices youth gathering,” said Deputy Chief Shadelle Chambers. “Connecting with each other and strengthening our culture by coming together on the land and practicing dän ke (our ways) is a high priority for our government. Supporting our youth and future leaders through this gathering will strengthen our community as a whole.”

“Our Voices is thrilled to host this year’s Summer Gathering with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. This on the land gathering will bring youth from across the Yukon and the north together for four incredible days of programming, culture and leadership building,” said Our Voices Co-Chair Kluane Adamek.

The Our Voices youth gathering is expected to host up to 200 young indigenous leaders ages 14-30 from all over the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. All events will be held on-the-land and will include spiritual guidance from Elders, a variety of thought-provoking presentations, engaging workshops, and cultural activities.

Our Voices is a project on Tides Canada’s shared platform, which supports on-the-ground efforts to create uncommon solutions for the common good. Tides Canada is a national Canadian charity dedicated to a healthy environment, social equity, and economic prosperity. Our Voices appreciates the generous support of all our Yukon First Nations contributors and the Government of Yukon. Our Voices and CAFN will be seeking additional sponsors to contribute to the 2016 gathering in order to keep the event at no cost for the youth participants. Our Voices has had very generous support from community organizations and governments for its first two gatherings in 2014 and 2015.

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For more information:

Kluane Adamek, Co-Chair
Our Voices
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/yukonemergingleaders

Amy McKinnon, Communications Manager
Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
[email protected]
(867) 332-1973
cafn.ca