The Youth Steering Committee governs the activities of the Four Winds Aboriginal Youth Centre. Besides developing policies and procedures for the Youth Centre, the members are instrumental in the planning and implementation of National Aboriginal Day, the Culture Camps, as well as other major events. The Steering Committee consists of the Youth Director, Youth Coordinator, and 5 other youth members between the ages of 13 and 29.

Youth Participation in Friendship Centre Movement

LOCAL LEVEL

With the formation of the Youth Steering Committee there is a voting Youth Director for the St. John's Native Friendship Centre Board of Directors, and there is a youth signing officer in place for the UMAYC.

REGIONAL LEVEL

The Friendship Centres in the Atlantic Region are in the early stages of setting up a Regional Aboriginal Youth Council (RAYC). When formed, there will be a Four WInds Aboriginal Youth Centre representative on this council

NATIONAL LEVEL

Every year, if funds permit, the Four Winds Aboriginal Youth Centre sends at least one youth member to the Annual National Youth Forum held in July. Approximately 150 youth from across the country attend these Forums to learn more about national issues, AGM processes, and to elect AYC Executive Committee members and provide directions to the AYC for the upcoming year. This opportunity allows youth to interact with, and learn from, Aboriginal youth from across the country. For two years, one of our youth members sat on the NAtional Aboriginal Youth Council as an Executive Committee member. The experience she gained from this opportunity is invaluable to her future personal and professional endeavors.