Hello, my name is Serene Spence.  I hold the social and communications portfolio for the NAN Decade Youth Council.  I am a 23 year old Oji-Cree youth, originally from Constance Lake First Nation, and a member of Marten Falls First Nation.  Majority of my life was spent growing up in Thunder Bay.  I am the daughter of Betty Achneepineskum of Marten Falls FN; and Frank Spence of Constance Lake FN.  I am also a proud parent to a five year old beautiful girl, Aliyah Jade.  I have five siblings, RCMP Conts.Darren Spence (26), Corey (21), Devyn (14), Brandyn (12), and Joshua (10).

Currently, I am residing in Thunder Bay working at Anishnawbe Mushkiki.  I plan to return to Ottawa this fall to obtain my Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at the University of Ottawa.  I am also a 2003 spring graduate of the Law & Security Administration Program at the Confederation College.  When my studies are complete at the university level I would like to attend Law school out west.  My career goal is to become a criminal and indigenous rights lawyer.

My future with NAN began when I became a summer student with the Decade program in 2005.  This opportunity has allowed me to travel and interact with youth in the NAN territory facilitating Girl Power workshops, and various youth organized events.  From there, I happily joined the NAN Decade youth council.  I was also elected to become a board member of the NAN Charitable Youth Trust Fund.

My thoughts and aspirations reach high points when I consider the objectives of my fellow youth.  As youth we need unite to build a local and international network, work with other struggling indigenous youth.  I would like to see my fellow brothers and sisters reunite with the traditional way of life so we can be strong people once again.

As the present and the future, we need to have a STRONG VOICE.

Meegwetch.