Welcome to the Wabun Youth Gathering website
The Wabun Youth Gathering was created out of the vision and energies of Wabun Elders and the Wabun Chiefs as a means to provide guidance and encouragement to Wabun youth. The annual event has been running since 2007 during the summer months and it continues to develop.
Wabun Health Services Health Director Jean Lemieux and Mike Archer Regional Crisis Coordinator have been instrumental in conducting the research and development, accessing funds and spearheading the coordination of the annual event.
Wabun Health Services is grateful to all of the Wabun Chiefs and Tribal Council leadership including:
- Chief Rene Ojeebah, Brunswick House First Nation
- Chief Gloria McKenzie, Beaverhouse First Nation
- Chief Anita Stephens, Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation
- Chief Murray Ray, Flying Post First Nation
- Chief Richard Wincikaby, Matachewan First Nation
- Chief Walter Naveau, Mattagami First Nation
- Chief Dave Babin, Wahgoshig First Nation
- Shawn Batise, Executive Director, Wabun Tribal Council
Thanks is also given to the Wabun Health staff and First Nation community members who assisted in the organizing and coordination. A special acknowledgement goes out to the chaperones and all of the Wabun Youth participants who share their energies and efforts for the betterment of everyone.
The Wabun Youth Gathering is made possible through funding by the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy. The strategy was established in the fall of 2004 by the government of Canada and with the support of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Inuit Tapiirit Kanatami and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada to address the issue of high suicide rates among Aboriginal young people.
Wabun Health Services is a department of the Wabun Tribal Council, a regional territorial organization that represents seven First Nation communities in northeastern Ontario and it is directed by its respective Chiefs. The seven First Nations include: Beaverhouse, Brunswick House, Chapleau Ojibwe, Flying Post, Matachewan, Mattagami and Wahgoshig.
On this site you will find news stories about the Wabun Youth Gathering as well as photos and a major video production. Simply click on the links in the navigation bar to view these items.