The Changing the World in a Decade Youth Leadership Forum held in Thunder Bay on November 20-24, 2002 was the first major NAN-wide event planned in the NAN Decade for Youth & Development 2001-2010.

66 participants from 31 different communities participated in this exciting event, hosted at Old Fort William Historical Park. Participants traveled from across NAN territory to attend. Although the youth were from many different communities, there was on overwhelming sense of unity throughout the four-day event.

At a sunrise ceremony on the first full day of the Forum, elders Josias Fiddler, Archie Cheechoo and Sarah Sabourin, prepared and lit the sacred fire in the main square of the Old Fort William Historical Park. Youth took turns as firekeepers. The fire burned continuously until extinguished Sunday afternoon in conjunction with a closing ceremony by elder Archie Cheechoo. Many youth braved chilly November winds to ensure the sacred fire stayed lit for the duration of the gathering.

The main purpose of the gathering was to elect a NAN Decade Youth Council. Delegates participated in workshops and activities designed to develop their leadership potential, including traditional teachings. A variety of interactive workshops focused on four key areas, political participation, economic participation, social participation and cultural participation. These areas of concern are reflected in the positions of the elected NAN Decade Youth Council.

A strong sense of purpose guided all activities. Highlights of the agenda included several outstanding guest speakers, fun recreational activities, a day of entrepreneurship, staying together at the bunk houses of Old Fort William, and opportunities to meet with elders.

Common themes that emerged from the conference fell into several main categories:

Leadership: Throughout the Forum the youth delegates reflected on the meaning of leadership and the role they as young people play as leaders in their communities. Interestingly, the most common attribute cited of a leader was loving.

Honour: The delegates, both through behaviour and through discussion, demonstrated that honour was the underlying code of conduct. Although all participants signed an official code of conduct, it was the continual burning of the sacred fire that truly instilled pride and honour within the participants. One young woman spoke of the pressure to go drinking with friends during the conference but she found the strength to say no because she was on sacred ground.

Tradition: The youth felt the answers to their present situations could be found within their own culture, their own traditions, from their ancestors. During debates about the youth council, they unanimously decided to form a sharing circle giving everyone a chance to address the group. Thus, even the political aspects of the gathering respected traditions passed down through the generations.

Action: Youth were extremely excited about the formation of the NAN Decade Youth Council as a voice for Nishnawbe Aski Nation youth. Make sure it doesnt stop here was the overwhelming sentiment. Delegates were eager to see action after the youth forum wrapped.

It is difficult to capture in words the emotions that ran high throughout the Forum. If we can sum up the event in one word it would certainly be: empowerment.