2022 AME Round Up – Youth Participants

2022 AME Round Up

Youth Participants

In late January, the Tahltan Central Government hosted its annual Youth Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup trip to Vancouver. Nine youth delegates were given the opportunity to attend and learn more about mineral exploration, the mining industry and the numerous opportunities available to them as Tahltan youth.

Over the course of four days, youth delegates explored the University of British Columbia through campus tours and exhibitions, attended lectures, observed and participated in various meetings and presentations from industry partners with TCG Leadership and staff, and received invaluable mentorship from other Tahltan youth and knowledge holders. TCG would like to thank Kutcho Copper, Newcrest, NorthPack Forestry, Pretium Resources, Skeena Resources, Tahltan Guide Outfitters, and TNDC for their sponsorship and participation. Thank you to everyone who attended and made this event possible. Mēduh.

Youth participants shared their thoughts on their experiences attending AME Roundup:

What have you learned from this experience? What were the benefits?

FELICITY ADAM SHAYLA CREYKE SHIELA DAVIDSON

I learned a lot about our Tahltan history and how Tahltans have been involved in the mining industry for years. I also learned things about mining that I did not know.

I really loved being around other Tahltan girls at this Roundup. This experience was really powerful and inspiring. I enjoyed learning about the mining industry and seeing how willing they are to help youth with education.

BRIA MCLEAN

I now have a huge appreciation and a deeper understanding of the mining industry that I did not have any idea about before. The multitudes of career and learning opportunities is so vast. I learned so much about the future of the Nation in ecotourism, Wildlife Guardians, and leadership careers. I really enjoyed meeting the Skeena mentees, especially Ashley. I was enlightened with the various educational opportunities available after hearing Cassandra speak.

The presentations were amazing and provided invaluable information and support. I would love to see them presented at Dease Lake School to the high school students. It has solidified my thoughts on returning to post-secondary school and to further my career. I have learned that there are a lot of career and job opportunities. Now I have a few ideas about what I want to do for my future career. I enjoyed learning about Tahltan Forestry, ecotourism and the Tahltan Guardian Program.

The UBC tour, Education Day and learning about guide and outfitting in Tahltan Territory was interesting. I enjoyed learning more about geology, environmental and TCG Education and Training.

HALEY MCLEAN

I have learned that I have significant access to educational funding and career opportunities both in and out of territory. Doing a UBC campus tour was great because this is a potential school for me. I really enjoyed learning about Geo Tech positions and creating bonds with distant family.

The cultural representation I experienced on this trip was so inspiring. This is an important experience for Tahltan youth who may feel uncertain about their educational future. It was worthwhile to know we are not alone on this journey and that the success of future generations is prioritized. After attending Roundup, I have decided that I would like to go into geology to become a Geo Technician, or go into environment.

I enjoyed the North Pac presentation, the Wildlife Guardian presentation and FlyOver Canada. The UBC tour was great.

THERESA MCLEAN

Learning about different job opportunities in our territory and how the mining industry is working towards being environmentally friendly was great. I enjoyed seeing all the mining booths and learning about what they do.

The meetings were fun and getting to know my family was great. Everyone was so inclusive. Roxanne was super great. I would love to do more things like this!

OCEAN VAN MIERLO SANTASIA QUOCK JADE SLYK

I learned more about how large field work is and more about the Wildlife Guardians. Also, how many connections one can have just from being Tahltan. I liked talking to Skeena about the mentorship program and learning more about ecotourism.

I am currently undecided on what I want to do with my degree. It was helpful to hear about the opportunities I would have as a Biologist in the territory and the variety of jobs offered in the mining industry and in territory. Roundup helped me want to pursue my education and push harder towards the career I want. Spending time learning from the presentations with Skeena, TNDC and TCG made me want to go to school to achieve my diploma and be a Hydraulic Water Resources Engineer or become a Heavy Equipment Operator.

Being at Roundup pulled me out of my comfort zone. I used to not like meeting new people, but now it is completely different. I also got to visit Vancouver for the first time. Being from Alberta, I had little to knowledge about mining aside from hearing about Red Chris occasionally. The past couple of days I have learned so much, not only about mining in our territory, but opportunities in other industries. Being from out of territory this was a great learning opportunity and an amazing way to meet people and see how much we have in common.

My mom never told me anything about being Tahltan, simply because she did not know, because of the trauma my grandparents experienced at residential schools. I am grateful I got the chance to reconnect and make real Tahltan friends which has been unforgettable. Santasia even offered to bring me to Dease Lake in her carry-on when I told her I have never been.