b'So I kind of ran with that and I took that time to come and listen to them and hear those stories and what they hadto share.Willoughby adds that it is important for younger people to seek out those stories from Elders. I was thinking about going up into community on my own time with the little recorder or something and just meeting with Elders or anyone who really wants to share stories,she says.Willoughby notes that a lack of support can be a big struggle for youth, who may feel isolated by the responsibilities they carry at home. We need to make sure these young people have places where they can feel seen, heard and supported in both their struggles and their strengths, she says. When youth are just focused on surviving, its really hard for them to focus on dreaming and pursuing what they want to do.Another common struggle for youth is their identity and belonging. Many of our youth are disconnected from our culture, our language andBUILDING DREAMS. the land, Willoughby says. As First Nations people, our identity is soCREATING REALITY.ingrained in who we are, and when were disconnected from all of that, it really affects everythingmental health, ourAt Better Building Solutions, we are not satisfied until you are! Our goal is jim@bbsinc.ca confidence, our relationships and ourto fulfill your building needs as quickly as possible while maintaining the highest quality workmanship. Allow us to make your dreams a reality!807-853-0479sense of our own future. When youth areContact us today for a free quote. bbsinc.cagiven the space and their culture and all of these different supports, they flourish. They thrive.Moving forward, Willoughby hopes to keep advocating for First Nations youth and to continue being involved in work that centres community, culture and wellness. I only have two years left before I age out of this youth category, but even after that I would really like to continue doing this type of advocacyInspire Reconciliation in Your Classroomwork in my daily life and really workingDid you know that 1 in 4 schools throughout Canada are already part of the Legacy towards health and wellness, she says.Schools program? Dont get left behindjoin this growing movement toward But alongside that, I would just like toreconciliation.keep learning and growing in my ownThe Legacy Schools program is a free national initiative that empowers students and personal journey while also giving back ineducators to take action toward reconciliation. When you sign up, youll receive free ways that feel really meaningful to me. resources, including:Willoughby concludes by encouraging Gord Downies Secret Pathgraphic novel A calendar of Indigenous days of significanceother young people to use their voice. Ready-to-use lesson plans and tools to spark meaningful learningOur voices do matter, especially as Indigenous youth, she says. Our voicesBe part of the movement for awareness, education, and connection.are so importantit may feel like itsRegister your classroom or club hard to do at first, but once you startLegacySchools.cadoing it, its so much easier.I ssue2 2025/26C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne l 33'