By Mahlon Smoke

For the last decade, the people of the world have been waking up to climate change and the importance of our Environment. While many Indigenous groups have been outspoken about this issue, it seems now the voices of the people are being heard. Now the International Secretariat of Water and the Environmental Department of Mohawk Council are teaming up to further include the youth of Akwesasne into the new program, “Youth for the Environment”, a program meant to promote and teach anyone interested in water advocacy skills.

Water is an important cultural aspect of not just Akwesasronon, but everyone around the world, that is what the current and next generation of Akwesasne Youth will strive to protect. The Youth for the Environment program promotes that they will “Be guided by the youth who will work together to brainstorm strategies” according to the application sheet for the new program.

“The general idea about this group is meant to equip Akwesasronon youth with water advocacy skills.” said head of Environmental Department Abraham Francis. This group will approach it in such a way that will be youth-led to help brainstorm strategies for conservation/protection projects, law developments, and learning to incorporate their culture into this advocacy. With this program it will allow for these future advocates to attend training, conferences, and to share the floor with the community to share their ideas on how to protect the water for future generations.”

For any youth who wish to gain leadership skills, become water advocates and promote a more environmentally friendly Akwesasne. The program asks that all prospective youths contact Abraham Francis at (613) 575-2250 EXT. #1047 for more information and how to sign up. The youth must be Akwesasronon and between the ages of 18 – 29 years old when joining.