Hello my name is Esther McKay and I hold the Urban Chair portfolio. I am 23 years old and hail from Bearskin Lake First Nation. I am currently attending Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and will be entering my third year this fall in the Honours Bachelors of Social Work program.

A little bit about my background... I grew up on my reserve and lived there until I turned 16 years old. I moved to Thunder Bay to attend high school. It was then that I learned so much about life in the city and (as many aboriginal youth go through) faced challenges in which I overcame. I spent two years in high school and immediately attended college upon graduation. I spent two years at Confederation College where I received my Social Service Worker diploma in 2004. I believe hard work, persistence, and determination are key components to my successes as well as a strong support system from family and friends.

I have volunteered with the NAN Decade for Youth Dept. since 2004 and have been a member of the youth council since 2005. As a member of the youth council, it is my duty to keep in contact and be proactive within the urban population as best as I can. As a member, I am often in positions where I have to facilitate workshops and presentations, attend conferences, and sit on various committees representing NAN youth. I consider it to be an honour and a privilege to work along side other youth with the same goals and aspirations as me and hope to continue doing so in the future.

Meegwetch!

Esther