LFMO is excited to announce its inaugural youth council. The establishment of the initial Youth Council is a significant step towards ensuring a Métis youth lens is applied throughout the entirety of the project. By bringing together a small number of diverse youth from across the Motherland, the council ensures a rich representation of perspectives that address the unique challenges faced by Métis grassroots women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. This inclusive model empowers members to actively contribute, guiding the development of a grassroots Youth Network. By advocating for Métis youth priorities, the Youth Council will foster a vibrant network of young leaders, paving the way for meaningful change and a stronger future for Métis youth.
President’s Statement
It is with immense pride and excitement that we introduce Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak’s inaugural Youth Council—a powerful new platform dedicated to uplifting and amplifying the voices of Métis youth.
As a steadfast advocate for all Métis women, girls, and gender-diverse people, LFMO recognizes that our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the changemakers of today. Across the Motherland, Métis youth are boldly driving progress in critical areas such as environmental stewardship, human rights, justice, science, and beyond. Their passion, resilience, and innovation are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all Métis people.
By amplifying youth perspectives, experiences, and knowledge in policy, we strive to empower Métis youth as active changemakers, addressing the real challenges they face today. This council will serve as a safe space for collaboration, advocacy, and empowerment, allowing us to learn from their challenges, celebrate their triumphs, and work together to build a stronger, more inclusive future.
We invite you to stand with us in supporting the voices of Métis youth as they take their rightful place at the table, leading with strength, knowledge, and a deep connection to our rich heritage.
Nika Paziuk Youth Initiatives Manager
Nika is a Métis woman residing in Amiskwaciy Waskahikan (Edmonton, AB.) With ancestral ties to Fort Vermillion, Lac St. Anne and the Red River.
Nika brings experience as a previous Leadership Mentor for LFMO’s previous Reach for the Sky program. In her new role she aims to enhance youth participation in cultural, educational, and leadership activities while fostering community connections between Métis youth all across the Motherland. Nika has called herself and many others “curse breakers” as she continues the cycle of healing from intergenerational trauma not only for herself, but for her ancestors before her.
Outside her time dedicated to her community, Nika can be found hiking with her dogs Reese and Bella, or snuggled up reading a book with her cat Teah. Nika enjoys spending her time on the land through camping, horseback riding and harvesting.
Comments on Youth Council from Youth Initiatives Manager:
“The creation of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak’s inaugural Youth Council is an inspiration to the Métis community. This opportunity will allow Métis youth to gather, share knowledge, and to have their voices heard all across the Motherland. To hear the needs and wants of youth directly from youth changemakers in our community is a gift. I look forward to learning and sharing all the knowledge each member of our Youth Council has to guide us on this journey.”
We are happy to introduce the Youth Council members and their areas of expertise below:
Emerald UnRuh – Victoria, BC.
Raised on the shared, traditional, and unceded territory of the Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations, Emerald is a proud Métis woman, who comes from Métis communities across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, including Rocanville, Ste Lazare, Ste Madeleine, Fort Ellice, and Red River. Her family names are Belhumeur, Fleury, and Desjarlais, and she is closely related to the Ducharmes through her great grandmother’s first marriage. An avid beadworker, Emerald can often be found working on moccasins or practicing caribou hair tufting when she isn’t busy visiting with family, reading, or trying her hand at a new recipe.
Emerald holds a certificate in Professional Project Administration from Royal Roads University, as well as an undergraduate degree in Indigenous Studies and Political Science from Simon Fraser University where she completed her studies as a Terry Fox Humanitarian Scholar. She currently works at the BC Ministry of Health in the Indigenous Health and Reconciliation division as a policy analyst. In the past, Emerald has applied her passion and commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous empowerment to her work with Alderhill Consulting, Natural Resources Canada, the Vancity Community Foundation, the City of Surrey, the Māori Law Review, and several Métis communities across Canada. In addition to holding the 2015 Si:Yam Cultural leadership award, Emerald was named a 2020 Métis Youth Role Model by the Métis Nation of British Columbia. In 2021, Emerald shared her TED Talk “We know who we are: five generations of Métis resilience,” through TEDxSFU.
Angel Sansregett – Calgary AB.
Angel (she/her) is a dedicated advocate for fostering equitable, decolonized systems and policies, with a passion for Métis recognition and self-governance, and advocating and addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2LSLGBTQQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+). She resides on Treaty 7 territory and maintains strong community ties with the Métis Nation of Alberta, with her connection further enriched by her grandmother’s Saulteaux lineage. Angel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master of Industrial Relations, and an Indigenous Youth Policy School certificate.
Sara Cronan – Saskatoon SK.
Sara is a proud queer Métis woman with cultural connections to the St. François Xavier community on her paternal side. She is originally from Swift Current, SK, then moved to Saskatoon to pursue her education. She obtained a Bachelor of Commerce and a Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Politics from the University of Saskatchewan. She now works as an Indigenous Achievement Advisor at Edwards School of Business. Sara is passionate about creating space for Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks and advocating for Indigenous women’s rights. In her spare time she loves to craft and spend time outdoors.
Meagan Young – Winnipeg AB.
Meghan Young (she/her) is a Red River Métis woman from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is Métis through her maternal side with ancestral connections to St. Norbert, St. Vital and St. Boniface, Manitoba. Meghan has an undergraduate degree in Indigenous studies and is currently a graduate student in Indigenous studies at the University of Manitoba. Her research focuses on re-visiting Métis fishing stories. She is currently a land-based educator at the University of Manitoba and a research assistant in the Faculty of Education.
Lydia Shields – Ottawa, ON.
Lydia is a member of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community residing within the bounds of traditional unceded Algonquin territory, and a proud member of the Metis Nation of Ontario with ancestral connections to the Moose Cree people of Moose Factory, Treaty 9. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social
Sciences in Anthropology from the University of Ottawa, a program where she honed her dedication to the preservation of cultural and heritage resources. Committed to advancing her expertise, she pursued additional education at Algonquin College, specializing in Applied Museum Studies. Outside her professional and academic endeavors, Lydia is an avid reader who enjoys curling up with her three cats and the latest gothic novels. She is also a passionate beadwork artist, blending her fascination with the macabre into traditional craft practices. She thrives in environments that prioritize knowledge acquisition and the cultivation of a more inclusive and informed society.
Youth Sash
Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak has a special sash that is dedicated to Métis youth!
The sash incorporates bright colours to capture the vibrancy of youth. Blue represents water, purple represents our Grandmothers, and white is for Creator.
“Zheun” is the Michif word meaning “youth”.
We believe that Métis youth are the leaders of the future, and by investing in providing better health, social, and economic outcomes for them, we are creating a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
Métis youth can be gifted this sash by attending LFMO youth-specific events and engagements. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list and join our youth network to hear about these events first!
Youth Opportunities:
Government of Canada Second State of Youth Report
Are you between the ages of 16-29 and want your voice heard by the federal government? Share your thoughts now using our online engagement tool and help build the future you want! You still have time!
We are pleased to announce that the deadline for completing the online engagement has been extended. You now have until March 16th, 2025, to share your ideas and opinions!
Visit the Webpage below for more information!
https://www.canada.ca/en/youth/youth-engagement.html
Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund
Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund (IPRF) is grounded in the values of the People served. We honour the voice of Indigenous communities and organizations.
The Food Sovereignty Bundles are made possible by the Walmart Foundation. Eligible organizations and groups can apply for $5,000 to $100,000 for projects centered on food sovereignty, food security, and nutritional health and wellness, while embedding Indigenous knowledge and practices to achieve community resilience.
https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2025/02/05/apply-for-the-2025-indigenous-peoples-resilience-fund/
Experience Howl
Howl with us in the Yukon this Summer! 🐺
Youth ages 17-35 are invited to join us August 7-15 to explore Arctic science, Indigenous knowledge, and the truly unique communities that call this land home. Explore the Yukon through volunteer opportunities, outdoor adventures, and connecting with new friends around the campfire by filling out your application at:
Cando Coaching
New Cohort #13 of the Indigenous Coaching Program with Kendal Netmaker
Deadline Extended to February 28th
Sessions Begin: March 4th
Open to Indigenous youth ages 17-35 – limited number of spots.
FREE to register!
More info: https://www.edo.ca/youth/indigenous-coaching
Indigenous Youth Roots Grants
Dreaming up a project that needs funding? Are you in an Indigenous youth collective and/or group? (ages 15-29 years old) IYR is accepting applications (via form, phone or zoom) for this stream until March 31st!
For more information about each stream and to apply, visit:
https://indigenousyouthroots.ca/creation-community-grants
If you or a youth community member you know, would like to become a part of LFMO’s Youth Network, please reach out to the Youth Initiatives Manager for more information at nikap@metiswomen.org.
