District of Squamish has appointed the first cohort of the Squamish Youth Council.
Fifteen youth aged 14 to 24 were selected among the applicants to serve on a 10-month committee term through June 2022.
The youth who were appointed are:
Grant Boguski
Sonoma Brawley
Harrison Cohen
Sephira Drzymala
Jodh Ghuman
Zachary Jordan
Ceilidh Lawton
Samantha Morrow
Mercedes Queimano
Tallula Russell
Julie Schaber
Gurnoor Tatla
Sarah van Eerdt
Liza West
Ciara Zammit-Sound
The goals of the Squamish Youth Council are to amplify the voice of Squamish youth, create a series of youth-led projects that directly support the Squamish Youth Strategy, and plant the seeds of civic engagement mindset and skillset in Squamish Youth.
To create a legacy that gives Squamish youth a seat at the decision-making table for years to come is another goal.
The Squamish Youth Council will collaborate with Squamish Council, staff, and partner agencies on initiatives to support the Squamish Youth Strategy.
“I am very excited to support this diverse and intelligent group of youth who have chosen to take on this collaborative leadership role to represent and amplify the voice of youth in our community,” says Mayor Karen Elliott.
“We heard loud and clear that whether or not they can vote, youth want a stronger voice in our community on the issues that impact them the most. We’re providing youth with the ability to make real decisions with real money that leads to action in support of the goals and objectives of the Squamish Youth Strategy.”
“It is a real privilege to join so many passionate young people on the Youth Council,” says Squamish Youth Council member Harrison Cohen.
“By the end of our first meeting it was obvious to me that our members are very motivated to get to work, and make a difference in our community.”
Mayor Karen Elliott and Christine McLeod, Founder, Everyday Leaders and Rising Villages, were facilitators of the youth council.
Adopted in 2019, the Squamish Youth Strategy is a comprehensive strategy developed ‘for youth, by youth’ in collaboration and consultation with Squamish youth and partner agencies.
The Squamish Youth Council was identified within the Strategy’s key value of “Speak Up and Leadership” as an opportunity to expand youth leadership and authentically engage youth in decisions that affect their future and the future of their community.
