Now recruiting!
For more information or to join, please contact:
Adrianna.Wondga@yfned.ca
Who We Are
The Moccasin Trailblazers are a group of young and brave Indigenous leaders across the territory who are coming together to advocate for the long-overdue changes needed in the education system. These youth range from the ages of 15 - 30 and are passionate about amplifying the voices and concerns of their Indigenous and non-Indigenous peers. The Trailblazers are vocal about demanding respectful and accurate representation of Indigenous history and culture in the public school system and within curriculum development.
The Trailblazers advocate for the following Indigenous methodologies to be implemented:
Land based, experiential learning.
The transmission of knowledge from Elders.
Prioritization of emotional wellness through supporting language revitalization, cultural safety, and ceremonial practices.
Implementation of policy that supports special leave and/or accreditation for student’s ceremonial practices, potlatches, song and dance, traditional harvesting, or any other opportunities that supports cultural development.
Creation of a “Key Indicators of Student Success” balance wheel (see image to the right).
“Our Elders have to pass on the will of fire onto us so, we can pass the torch onto the next generation.”
- Gū Shäw (Justin Johnson), Moccasin Trailblazer
The Story
The Moccasin Trailblazers began their journey out of a beautiful lodge at Fish Lake. During this two-day session they had the chance to take a break from the industrialized world and connect to the land. The series of workshops were facilitated by “Lateral Kindness - Social Innovative Consulting,” led by Marilyn Jensen and Thomas Shepherd. During those days out on the land a number of significant goals were achieved;
The youth established their own ground rules and guidelines to build a foundation for their code of conduct in all their future endeavors both as individuals and as a collective.
Identified key issues:
More Indigenous culture and teachings tied into language lessons.
The need for a First Nations School.
Indigenous content receiving equal accreditation.
Support for Indigenous teachers, especially in the communities.
The youth participated in numerous creative team building exercises to create trust in their group which included a “Self Portrait” exploration facilitated by Lingit visual artist Guna (Megan Jensen) and creating the Trailblazer’s launch video with local film maker/YFNED advocate Douglas Joe.
What is Working - Being Out on the Land
