MANITOBA FIRST NATIONS YOUTH COUNCIL
PLANNING GROUP PROFILES

Tim Daniels

Live in: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Cynthia Desjarlais

Live in: Sandy Bay First Nation

First Nation member of: Sandy Bay First Nation

Education Background: I graduated from grade 12 in 1994 from Portage Collegiate Institute. I am currently enrolled at University of Winnipeg, Communications Certificate Program.

Employment Background: I have been employed for the past two years as the Youth Project Officer with the Sandy Bay Training and Employment Program.

Volunteer Experience: I am involved various youth initiatives and activities such as the Manitoba First Nation Youth Council, Assembly of First Nations Youth Steering Committee and at home in my own community .


Career Aspirations: I would like to obtain my business administration degree and return to my community and promote youth entrepreneurship and development.

Message to our youth: Don't be afraid to dream and remember always to be true to yourself.

Donna Sutherland

Live in: Peguis Manitoba.

First Nation member of: Peguis First Nation

Education Background: Certificate in Business Acct. & Management Univ. Prep (1Year). Grade 12 University Entrance.
Employment Background: Youth Employment Coordinator. - Peguis Development Co. Social Assistance Clerk 4.5 years, Peguis office.
Teacher's Aide 1 year, Peguis School.

Volunteer Experience: Sunday School Teacher.

Career Aspirations: To receive my Business Administration Diploma.

Message to our youth: "Don't let the obstacles that exist in life distract you from reaching your goals. With hard work and determination you can overcome the barriers that challenge our youth, today".

Douglas Tizya

Live in: Winnipeg, Manitoba

First Nation member of: Vuntut Gwichin First Nation.

Education Background: High School Diploma

Employment Background: Aboriginal Youth with Initiative.
Winnipeg Boys & Girls Club.

Volunteer Experience: Manitoba First Nations Youth Council.
Winnipeg Boys & Girls Club.

Career Aspirations: To join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Message to our youth: Have a strong and healthy mind and body. It will help you in difficult situations.

Elizabeth Bignell

Live in: Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

First Nation member of: Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

Education Background: 1996 - Grade 12 Diploma @ Joe. A Ross School. 2years completed B.A. Psych Major / Native Studies. Minor @ Brandon University.

Employment Background: Assistant Youth Coordinator @ Opaskwayak Cree Nation Employment & Training Department.

Volunteer Experience: Opaskwayak Indian Days Trapper's Festival, SCTC Spring Pow-Wow, Cree Gathering Pow-Wow, Manitoba Indian Summer Games. Various conferences in the community. Various recreational activities.

Career Aspirations: To work with the youth of my community. Build a good work reputation on all levels (local, regional, and national).

Message to our youth: For the Youth to progress into the future, we must have an understanding & respect of our past.

Gordon Mayer

Live in: Winnipeg, Manitoba.

First Nation member of: Pimichikamak First Nation.

Education Background: My educational background has a composition of a number of years of university. (Brandon University and the University of Winnipeg). I hold certificates in Level 1 and 2 Land Management, Gang Management Certificate from the University of Oklahoma.

Employment Background: Presently, I am employed by choice and a Professional volunteer for a variety of community committees and board of directors.

Volunteer Experience: The current Boards that I do sit on are, as an Aboriginal Youth with disabilities representative for the First Nations disability Association of Manitoba Inc. and the Manitoba First Nations Youth Council Initiative Planning Group. I am also a consultant and advisor for the First Nations disability Association of Manitoba. I am presently the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Aboriginal Youth with Initiative Inc. And the Vice-chairman for Manitoba Association for Native Languages.

Career Aspirations: My hope is for aboriginal youth of Manitoba to be part of all program development for their benefit. Utilize all aboriginal youth existing programs and become involved in to ensure that they have a unified voice. Programs develop should reflect what the youth want not what others feel the youth need.

Message to our youth: "Be proud of who you are, maintain the pride of your culture and believe in your visions to reach to your fullest potential."

Leslie Easter

Live in: Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

First Nation member of: Opaskwayak Cree Nation

Education Background: Completed Grade 12 Joe A. Ross High School in Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

Employment Background: Youth Worker SCTC 2 years. MKO Youth Coordinator.

Volunteer Experience: SCTC Hockey Tournament, Golf Tournament and SCTC pow-wow.

Career Aspirations: Continue to work in the area of Youth Development.

Message to our youth: "Follow your dreams hang in their don't quit. Believe in your self even when the task seems impossible. Look to your Elders for guidance, and respect yourself and others around you. Peace out!"

Myrna Bushie

Live in: Winnipeg, Manitoba

First Nation member of: Hollow Water First Nation.

Education Background: Group Facilitation Coach- Human Resources Development Canada,  Resume Development Coach - Winnipeg Transition Centre,  Human Resource Councillor - Winnipeg Transition Centre,  Bachelor of Arts Degree - University of Manitoba,  Native Business Management Program - Winnipeg, MB,  Protection & Investigations Officer - Robertson Career College, and,  Grade 12 Graduate.

Employment Background: Employment Coordinator - Southeast Resource Development Council,  Immigration Examining Officer - Emerson Port of Entry, Emerson, MB. CR3 - General Clerk - Indian & Northern Affairs Canada, Winnipeg, MB. Secretary/Bookkeeper - Winnipeg, MB.

Volunteer Experience: Manitoba Youth Planning Group Member - 1 year Winnipeg First Nations Employment & Training Inc. - Board Member - 8 mo. Key Post Secondary Board of Education - Board Member 5 years. Vision Quest - Aboriginal Community & Economic Development Southeast Tribal Council Golf Tournament City of Winnipeg - Youth Summer Programs - Summer session 1999


Career Aspirations: At present I am awaiting response from the University of Manitoba Law Faculty on acceptance into their law program. I believe the Laws of this land play a crucial role in how society is structured. The law will always have a direct affect on how the future of First Nations develops. For far to long non-First Nations have decided what is best for us and it has developed into a cult of dependency. I have a dream for a better future for our young people. There is a lot of work to be done but it starts within one's self.

Message to our youth: My University Education has been the most empowering instrument in my life. I know personally that there is a better life after this process. This process has opened a whole new world for me. I highly recommend it.

Paula C. Campeau

Live in: Pelican Rapids, Manitoba

First Nation member of: Sapotaweyak Cree Nation

Education Background: Grade 12 - University Entrance. Administrative Assistant, Anokiiwin Training Institute.

Employment Background: Admin. Assist. - SCN Band office. Admin. Assist. - NDKM School.

Volunteer Experience: Junior Chief and Council Coordinator.

Career Aspirations: Someday return to University and study Bachelor of Social Work.

Message to our youth: In order to open more doors of opportunity, you "as an individual" have to take the initiative to make the proper sacrifice. One more example would be staying in school.

Priscilla Levasseur

Live in: Ebb & Flow

First Nation member of: Ebb & Flow

Education Background: Bachelor of Arts degree Brandon University. Continue my education in the fall towards a Bachelor of Social Work degree part-time through U of M.

Employment Background: Vision Seekers Program Coordinator, Research Coordinator

Volunteer Experience: Manitoba First Nations Youth Planning Group. Ebb & Flow Youth Council. Ebb & Flow Cultural Committee.

Career Aspirations: To achieve a BSW degree and continue to work with the Aboriginal Youth in my community.

Message to our youth: "Be proud of who you are, maintain the pride of your culture and believe in your visions to reach to your fullest potential."