To fulfill the office’s priority of amplifying the voices and perspectives of children and youth, and influence systems to improve their lives, the Advocate established a Youth Advisory Council in 2020.
The catalyst for the creation of an ongoing Youth Advisory Council was influenced by our 2019 youth-led, staff supported, conference on the topic of youth mental health, entitled, Back Now in My Day: Our Issues, Our Voice, Our Time. Some of the youth leaders from our 2019 conference worked with us to consider the possibilities for how such an advisory committee could help inform our work. This resulted in the development of Terms of Reference along with a commitment from a core group of youth who became inaugural YAC members.
The Youth Advisory Council gathers on a regular basis to contribute to our work from a youth perspective — youth using their voice and lived experiences to inform and elevate advocacy around respecting the rights and well-being of children and youth in Saskatchewan.
To advance the strategic priority of reconciliation, the Advocate engages with Elders representing the various cultural and linguistic groups in Saskatchewan — Dene, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Cree and Métis.
The Advocate and staff value and recognize the importance of receiving the knowledge, guidance, and wisdom of Elders who continue to be key advisors to our work, particularly as it relates to services to Indigenous young people.
