6th Annual National Youth Panel


On Wednesday, September 29th CANDO hosted its 6th Annual National Youth Panel. Conference delegates were once again treated to an inspiring session with six very motivated young people. This year’s moderator was Michelle White from Enoch Cree Nation, Alberta. This year’s youth panelists included:


  • Tausha Esquega, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation), ON
  • Melanie Jacobs, Curve Lake First Nation, ON
  • Delby Powless, Six Nations of the Grand River, ON
  • Rob “Kasp” Sawan, Driftpile First Nation, AB
  • Vanessa Tait, O-pipon-na-piwin Cree Nation (South Indian Lake), MB
  • Massey Whiteknife, Mikisew Cree First Nation, AB

Please read more about each Youth Panelist and their presentations.

Highlighting Aboriginal youth successes and achievements has been the intent of CANDO’s National Youth Panel, but more importantly it has allowed youth to share their personal stories and discuss the challenges and barriers they have faced in order to reach their goals. Each panelist contributed tremendously not only through their presentations, but also through their willingness to interact with the captivated audience during the plenary session. Following the panelists’ presentations, delegates honored the youth for their courage and determination in presenting their stories to the audience.


About Annual National Youth Panel


Each year, the National Youth Panel is held along with the CANDO Annual National Conference & AGM.  CANDO believes it is imperative to recognize and honor leaders, particularly Aboriginal youth from across Canada.  One of the many highlights at the CANDO conference is our National Youth Panel.  Over the years CANDO has continually realized featuring a youth panel is essential and hosting this event has allowed Aboriginal youth who are pursing their dreams to speak their ways of success at our conference.
 
CANDO receives countless nominations and unfortunately we can only select six Aboriginal youth participants.  Each year the CANDO Board, Conference Committee and CANDO Staff selects six youth based upon their strengths, their initiatives, their accomplishments, their entrepreneurial spirit of launching their careers, and their participation within their communities.

Learn more about our past National Youth Panelists.