THE BC UNITED YOUTH METIS YOUTH CIRCLE

The BC United Metis Youth Circle (BCUMYC), an affiliate of the Metis Provincial Council of BC, was established in 1998 in response to the Metis National Youth Advisory Councils community consultations held across the Metis Homeland. The Circle brings together Metis Youth from across BC to collectively share and work on common obstacles, goals and aspirations.   

The BC United Métis Youth Circle operates as an arms length committee under the guidance of the MPCBC.  The MPCBC, under the direction of the MPCBC Youth portfolio holder, acts as the advisory, research and advocacy resource for Métis youth involved with this years UMAYC Project in BC.  The Project will be a Métis youth driven initiative.  The BC United Metis Youth Circle is made up of representatives from each of the seven MPCBC regions in the province. Guidance and support will be provided to the BCUMYC through the MPCBCs Youth portfolio holder on the Board and the MPCBC Executive Director.   

In addition to the MPCBC support, the BCUMYC will be supported by a Métis Youth   Program Coordinator, under the supervision and direction of the Executive Director, to provide program support to the BCUMYC and to ensure proper coordination and accountability of the BCUMYC initiative and overall UMAYC objectives are being met. The MPCBC will provide administrative support to the BCUMYC, which includes office and accounting supports.   

MPCBC will assist BCUMYC in establishing links with other organizations which may assist them with their mandate and with contacts with other agencies and departments which may provide funding for other aspects of BCUMYC program or service components.  MPCBC will also facilitate partnership or co-sponsorship arrangements between BCUMYC and other Metis program services in BC, such as Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement funded services with Government of Canada and the Metis Child and Family Services Commission funded by the Province of BC.  BCUMYC will also continue participation in provincial and metropolitan urban Aboriginal youth committees, the national Metis youth committee and cooperation with other provincial Aboriginal organizations (BC Association of Friendship Centres and United Native Nations).  Some training will be provided in seeking for additional funding sources and fund-raising.   

The BCUMYC is also affiliated with the Metis National Youth Advisory Council as well.  The BCUMYC continues to support national initiatives within the National Metis Youth Agenda.

Metis Regions have been consulted regarding membership of the BCUMYC.  Regional nominations were reviewed and recommendations made for membership to BCUMYC have been approved by the MPCBC. 

Vision Statement 

That the BCUMYC will provide leadership and advocacy for 

Metis Youth of British Columbia in a respectful and 

transparent manner.

Mission Statement 

        We will learn, promote and protect our distinctive Metis Culture.

       We will respect and learn from our Elders in all that we do.

       We will develop and provide leadership for Metis Youth. 

       We will advocate to empower Metis Youth to actively participate and be involved in Metis governance. 

       We will advocate Metis Youth issues and concerns. 

       We will communicate in a timely and effective manner. 

       We will be responsible and accountable for all that we do. 

As per the above discussion, the Committee established the following priorities to be addressed by community Youth projects:

BCUMYC Youth project Priorities:

•          school completion and educational achievement,

•          skill development for employment,

•          recreation and wellness,

•          career counseling and training,

•          life skills,

•          confronting racism and violence issues,

•          cultural awareness and growth,

•          peer and/or professional counseling, and

•          other measures that equip and encourage Metis youth to deal with life challenges and improve their life prospects. 

The new BC United Metis Youth Circle is excited about their new Vision and Mission and look forward to working with the Metis Youth in BC to develop leadership and communities and in addressing the many challenges and opportunities that exist for Metis Youth today.  The BCUMYC also looks forward to working much more closely with the MPCBC to get  Metis Youth more involved in Metis governance at local, regional and provincial levels.  The MPCBC supports this important aspect of the BCUMYCs work as this participation helps develop tomorrows leaders for the Metis Nation and ensures the MPCBC are sensitive to the issues and concerns of Metis Youth in BC.

Your Region 1 (Vancouver Island) Youth Rep is  Mark Telosky

e-mail: bcumycreps@mpcbc.bc.ca