ANNOUNCEMENT:

Youth and Elder nominations for First Nations Leading the Way are open!

This year, Nations are encouraged to nominate a First Nation youth and Elder as representatives from their Nation to attend the conference in person in Edmonton. Specifically, we’ve designated 24 places for First Nations youth aged 18-30 and 24 for First Nation Elders. This unique opportunity allows youth and Elders to delve deeper into challenges and opportunities, hear inspiring success stories, network together, and contribute their voices and visions to discussions surrounding First Nations’ economic development.

Given the limited seating availability, a predetermined number of seats for youth and Elders have been allocated per province for our event. Consequently, certain provinces may reach capacity before others. If all seats for your province have been filled, we will promptly place you on a waiting list. However, please be assured that if any seats become available, we will admit individuals from the waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we manage this process to ensure fairness and accommodate as many participants as possible.

Nominations must be submitted by your administrative office (Chief, council or administrative staff) to: info@fnleadingtheway.com

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW:

The National Meeting will be further opportunity to highlight the challenges and successes of First Nations working to achieve their economic and social development goals. The event’s main purpose is to share successes, invite input on solutions, and raise awareness about services and supports already available through the FMA institutions. This year’s conference also serves as a platform for young Indigenous leaders like yourself to share knowledge, experiences, and innovative ideas that will shape the future of our communities.

On the last day of the conference, we have arranged a panel specifically for youth participation. This Q&A panel aims to provide youth with a platform to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue. We understand that your unique insights and inquiries are crucial to shaping a better future, and we are excited to have you actively contribute to the conference.

TRAVEL DATES & LOCATION:

• Arrival by 1:00 pm (MT) Tuesday, November 26, 2024
• Depart after 4:00 pm (MT) on Thursday, November 28, 2024
• Per diems (meal allowance) will be covered during travel to and from the hotel, and for the duration of the event when meals are not provided at the event.
• The organizers offer to book youth and Elder travel based on the most direct and economical route per information provided in the application. Alternatively, if the Nation wishes to make the bookings, travel and accommodation costs for youth and Elder participants will be reimbursed after the event.
• Delegates will be allocated a room at the Courtyard by Marriott downtown Edmonton, located beside the convention centre.

APPLICATION:

Based on a limited number of seats, each application is reviewed and approved prior to being admitted to this year’s event. Also, due to space restriction, we are welcoming only a handful of applicants per region. All others will be invited to participate virtually.

Please limit nominations to 1 youth and 1 Elder per Nation.

REGISTRATION DUE OCTOBER 18, 2024, OR WHEN FULL

APPLICATION TIMELINE / STEPS

Email your questions to: info@fnleadingtheway.com