January 3rd, 2019
Indigenous Youth Leadership Training
The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), the Provincial Youth Aboriginal Council (PAYC) and the Port Alberni Friendship Centre (PAFC) are honoured to host Gathering Our Voices (GOV) 2019 on the traditional territory of the Hupačasath and Tseshaht First Nations. The purpose of the event is to unite youth throughout the country in learning, healing and sharing, and to provide tools, resources and knowledge the youth can bring back to their communities.
In the spirit of bringing people together, the event is hosted in different communities and in partnership with different Friendship Centres each year. This year the Hupačasath and Tseshaht have graciously welcomed our delegates to their territory to share their culture and knowledge, as well as create a legacy that helps GOV grow each year.
The BCAAFC has hosted sixteen Gathering Our Voices, starting with over 100 delegates in communities such as Prince George, Nanaimo, Vancouver, Kamloops, Victoria, Kelowna, Prince Rupert, Penticton and Richmond. Since then, it has grown immensely and continues to grow with the support of the delegates, volunteers, chaperones, facilitators, exhibitors and host communities.
GOV 2019 registration reached capacity within an hour. This overwhelming response of support serves to reinforce the need for a provincial forum where Indigenous youth can come together to being to make positive changes in their lives and in their communities.
We raise our hands and thank you for your continued support as we grow together.
Leslie Varley
Executive Director, BCAAFC
lvarley@bcaafc.com
