Chief and Council Spotlight — Growing the next generation of leaders

To round out this series of Spotlight posts highlighting the work of Chief and Council to move priorities ahead on behalf of Citizens, we are sharing a set of posts around strategic areas of focus.

Building the Next Generation of CAFN Leaders: Over the summer, through a new program CAFN is investing in building the next generation of leaders through the new Youth Leadership Academy Program (YLAP) in Dakwäkäda. Young CAFN Citizens are spending the summer learning from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and instructors while earning a training allowance and gaining practical skills they can use in work, school, and community life.

YLAP focused on personal wellness, culture, governance, and community prosperity, and included on‑the‑land learning at Pine Lake and Mush Lake. This program is part of Council’s broader strategic work to grow internal capacity, support youth leadership, and ensure that future decision‑makers are grounded in CAFN law, culture, and self‑government.

Council also applauds the CAFN youth who were part of the Łä̀ch’i Kų̀ Indigenous Tourism Collective team that won an Arctic Inspiration Prize this year. Their achievement highlights the talent, creativity, and determination of CAFN youth, and shows what is possible when young people are supported to lead.

In addition, CAFN has been working on a new Education Strategy that will guide how the Nation supports Citizens across the full learning journey—from early years through adult education and training. This strategy is intended to connect education more deeply with CAFN culture, language, governance, and economic priorities, and to create clearer pathways for youth and adults to step into future roles in the Nation.

Together, YLAP, the success of our Arctic Inspiration Prize youth, and the creation of an Education Strategy show how Council is investing in the leaders of today and tomorrow, so that CAFN’s future continues to be shaped by strong, confident, well‑supported Citizens.