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UGDSB students attend Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit

November 15, 2017


GUELPH, Ontario – On November 14, students from the Upper Grand District School Board came together at the Art Gallery of Guelph for the Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit.

Youth Summit At Art Gallery Of Guelph 2017

This was the second year the Youth Leadership Summit was held for self-identified Indigenous students. Approximately 16 students attended the summit for a day of open discussion, leadership and connection with local Indigenous community.

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There were a number of speakers lined up throughout the day including Nancy Rowe, Elder for Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation, Naomi Smith, a local artist and two Indigenous youth Sebastian Wagi and Graham Paradis.

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The day focused heavily on identity and served as a way to bring self-identified Indigenous students together to discuss identity and leadership in the community. Nancy Rowe opened the day by speaking to the group about her experiences as a knowledge keeper from New Credit First Nation.

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Sebastian and Graham spoke about their journeys and discussed their connection to powwow and the importance of beading their own regalia.

Making Hairpipe Bracelets

Later in the day, students had the chance to make hairpipe bracelets with Naomi Smith of Black Tulip Designs.

Hairpipe Bracelets

The second day of the Youth Leadership Summit is being held on November 15 in Dufferin County for Dufferin UGDSB students.

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