 |
| Jocelyn Formsma |
What issue are you particularly active in, and why have you chosen this issue:
I have spent my time working towards the empowerment of Indigenous Youth in Canada. In particular, I have focused on the development of Young Indigenous Leaders and have assisted in bringing awareness to the general public as well as decision makers as to the injustices of the Child Welfare system. I believe that I have been brought to this path, and that I didn't necessarily choose it, but that it somehow chose me. Overall, I believe that if we have more young leaders, they can be the catalysts for positive change. I want to make sure those young leaders have what they need to do their difficult jobs as well as they can. I also believe that children are the key to healthy communities. By ensuring that more Indigenous children stay in their homes and communities and that those homes and communities have all the resources they need to raise a healthy child, we are ensuring that all communities have a future to look forward to.
Can you give some specific examples of the kinds of actions/projects you have carried out related to this issue:
Aboriginal Youth Council - by being elected President of a National Aboriginal Youth Council for two terms, I was able to spearhead a process that allowed the Council to develop a strategic plan for implementing its goals. These included identifying and addressing the many needs and issues facing Aboriginal Youth in urban settings. Reconciliation Movement for Child Welfare - This movement started with a group of people who believed that if anything was going to change in Child Welfare that it would have to come from the community. Since then, they have had a gathering of experts and have developed a document outlining a set of principles in reconciliation that any organization, person, or community could utilize as a foundation for moving forward. We are now looking to create tool kits and establish partnerships that will push the movement forward.
What were your successes, challenges and/or obstacles in carrying out these actions/projects:
There still exists a lack of support for youth initiatives. I think that the stereotype that these initiatives are only something young people do until they are old enough for “real work” remains prevalent. In terms of Child Welfare, there are numerous more challenges, especially Canadian governmental policies, and of course, the lack of funding to push the movement to higher levels. Our success with this movement has been the group’s commitment to staying focused and working towards goals by sharing resources.
Why do you consider yourself a youth leader:
There are so many amazing, inspiring people that I am so thankful I've met over the years and it is their stories that continue to drive me to do what I do. They are my mentors, friends, colleagues, peers and family. They are the ones that push me, guide me, teach me, share with me, carry me, support me, and above all love me. I am a leader because the work I do is not for me. I believe the day I stop working for my community and start working for myself will be the day I begin my own demise.
What are your future plans related to this issue:
I am no longer the President of AYC, but I have continued my involvement as the Youth Liaison with the AYC. I will continue to assist the AYC in their implementation of their strategic plan and priorities. I also plan to continue my work with the Reconciliation Movement team, trying to develop momentum for the initiative as well as finding more money for the initiative to continue.
What one message would you like to send to other future youth leaders:
Everyone has the potential and capacity to be a leader. Leadership is about the decisions you make every day in your life. Never for a moment let anyone dictate to you who you can or cannot be and what you can or cannot do. Only you can decide those things for yourself.