Gathering helps aboriginal youth transition to urban life

SASKATOON – With graduation season underway, it leaves many questioning what comes next, whether it be further education or heading into the workforce.

That decision comes with added challenges for those from some of Saskatchewan’s most isolated First Nations communities.

An indigenous youth transition gathering is being held in Saskatoon to try to tackle some of those challenges.

“Youth like I was one time, it was really a different world, you really didn’t have an idea as to who to talk to who to connect with,” said Simon Bird, vice chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN).

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Hundreds of youth from across the province are attending the FSIN Youth Transition gathering, discussing the challenges associated with moving from youth to adulthood, high school to post-secondary and from rural to urban life.

“To fill the need for the young people that may not have the knowledge or the foundation or even the supports in place to transition from various ways,” said Bird.

“You know, our youth really need to make sure that they become their own leaders in today’s world and they have to realize that they’re individuals and that they can do anything and make anything a reality,” said Collin Starblanket, FSIN youth leader.

At the gathering, the youth have access to business and education providers at a career fair showcasing post-secondary and employment opportunities.

“As they come from small isolated First Nations communities into the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, SIAST, there’s going to be some major changes there and they need to know what to expect,” said Bird.

The conference continues Wednesday.