Saskatchewan RCMP Launch Youth Advisory Committee

October 7, 2020
Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan

News release

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RCMP crest

The Saskatchewan RCMP is hosting their first Youth Advisory Committee virtual meeting this afternoon. "We are very excited to launch our first Youth Advisory Committee in the Division. The committee represents diverse youth voices from communities across the province and members will be working with mentors to address youth crime and victim issues such as bullying, alcohol, drugs, vaping and poor driving among youth," says Laili Yazdani, Community Program Officer with the RCMP Crime Prevention/Crime Reduction Unit. Mentors from the RCMP, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, OUT Saskatoon, Southwest Newcomer Welcome Center, Regina Open Door Society, and Central Sask Victim Services will be participating in monthly virtual meetings and supporting the youth throughout the school year.

"As an Indigenous person, I want my voice to be heard, amplified…By being a part of this committee, having an Indigenous voice at the table, is an important step to reconciliation," says Skyler in his application.

On the application form, youth were encouraged to creatively submit their reasons for applying to the committee. Anisa submitted a poster (attached) and Nelly submitted a photo of herself holding a poster she created (attached) as part of their submissions. In a poem, Aya expressed why she wanted to join the committee.

To live in a safe country was once a dream
To live in a place where my voice was heard was once a dream To live in a place where I was valued was also once a dream And now I'm here (Canada)
Safe and sound
I want to be part of this committee that values my thoughts That allows me to share and discuss issues in our community This committee that cares about youths
That gives us a chance to speak for ourselves
I want to be here
To get involved
To have my voice heard
To learn and to teach
To be part of the community that supports me.

"The RCMP recognizes the importance of listening to and working with youth to identify and address issues most important to them, and the positive change working with youth can have on our communities," says Inspector Tammy Patterson, Officer in Charge of the Crime Prevention/Crime Reduction Unit.

In follow-up to last year's youth survey, the Saskatchewan RCMP is launching their first Youth Advisory Committee with up to 100 youth between the ages of 12-17. Youth Advisory Committee members are expected to volunteer a minimum of 6 hours a month for one school year to participate in weekly meetings, monthly virtual meetings and an annual camp with youth and mentors, subject to COVID and funding restrictions. Afterwards, youth members will receive a volunteer certificate that can be used for employment and post-secondary applications.

It's not too late to apply! Interested youth in participating detachments (La Ronge, Pelican Narrows, La Loche, Melfort, Meadow Lake, North Battleford, Warman, Southey and Moosomin) should contact their local detachment.

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