Ethan Paul

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‘A brighter future’: Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders 2024 participants testify at Senate committee

‘A brighter future’: Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders 2024 participants testify at Senate committee

Ethan Paul, of Membertou First Nation, talks about his various youth initiatives, including the Mi’kmaq seafood
cookbook that he’s working on (a hit among Senate committee members!). “Ultimately, my hope is to empower Indigenous youth to shape their own paths, advocate for their rights and lead with the wisdom of our ancestors,” he said.

From teaching traditional eel harvesting practices to writing a seafood cookbook, Ethan Paul is finding ways to connect Mi’kmaq youth to their culture. A student of Mi’kmaw Early Childhood Education at the Nova Scotia Community College, Ethan Paul wants to see culturally relevant school curricula and youth representation at all decision-making levels. “Together, we can create a future where Indigenous youth not only thrive but lead in ways that honour our past and shape a brighter future.”

Participants of Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders and senators hold up flags representing some of the participants’ communities. Back row, from left, senators Paul J. Prosper, John M. McNair, Marilou McPhedran, Yonah Martin, Brian Francis, Mary Coyle, Judy A. White, Nancy J. Hartling, Kim Pate and David M. Arnot. Front row, from left, Bradley and Elaya-Utshimashkuess Bacon, Faithe McGuire, Breane Mahlitz, Crystal Starr Lewis, Reanna Merasty, Brett Recollet and Ethan Paul.


Watch Breane Mahlitz, Bradley Bacon, Faithe McGuire and Reanna Merasty (McKay) testify before the committee.

Watch Ethan Paul, Crystal Starr Lewis, Justin Langan and Brett Recollet testify.

Learn more about the participants of Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders 2024.

Read the full article at ‘A brighter future’: Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders 2024 participants testify at Senate committee – SenCA+ Magazine