b'Who We Are \x1fe Oshkaatisak CouncilNishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) was established in 1973, and was originally known as Grand Council Treaty No. 9 until 1983. Grand Council Treaty No. 9 made a public declarationA Declaration of Nishnawbe-Aski (The PeopleThe Oshkaatisak Council strives to promote youth and the Land)of our rights and principles in 1977. empowerment and engagement with the goal of NAN territory encompasses James Bay Treaty No. 9 and theimproving the livelihood and hope for the future of Ontario portion of Treaty No. 5, a landmass coveringall NAN youth.two-thirds of the Province of Ontario, spanning 210,000 square miles. Our people traditionally speak Cree andThe Oshkaatisak Council supports youth by:Algonquin in the east, OjiCree in the west, and Ojibway in the central south area. Advocating on behalf of NAN youth at the local, NAN represents 49 First Nations with a total population (onregional, national, and international level.and off-reserve) of approximately 45,000 people grouped bySharing the successes of NAN youth.Tribal Council. Six of our member Nations are not affiliated with a specific Tribal Council. Connecting and building relationships with other First Nations youth across mother earth.Creating opportunities and spaces for youth to enhance their leadership skills by offering events that promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle.\x18e Great White BearThe Great White Bear stands in the circletheThere are positions available on the Oshkaatisak traditional symbol of life of the North American Indian. Council. To become a member of the Oshkaatisak The background is redsymbolic of the Red Man.Council, you must be:His feet are firmly planted on the bottom line Registered to 1 of the 49 communities representing Earth. His head touches the top linesymbolic of his relationship to the Heavens andrepresented by the Nishnawbe Aski Nationto the Great Spirit.He stands with feet stretchedLiving either on reserve or off reserve and within out to the four smaller circles which represent the North, East, South and Westto show thatthe boundaries of Canadahe has nothing to hide. Must be aged between 18 and 29 at the time of The circles joining his rib cage represent our FirstapplicationNation communities. The lines of the rib cage symbolize the traditions, culture, songs, legendsIf you would like more information, please contactand prayers of our People that bind our NationJoseph Carew, Youth Initiatives Coordinator at together as one. These lines are essential, forjcarew@nan.ca or (807)629-2603without the protection of the rib cage the heart is open for anyone seeking to destroy that life.'