Northern Youth: Global Perspectives Research project
A youth-led research project exploring how youth connect to global issues
From February 10th - 25th 2021, we collected survey responses from youth ages 18-35 across the three territories to learn more about their interests and engagement on local and global issues. This survey was administered and analyzed by a youth-led team of researchers working with NCGC.
Through this initiative, we hoped to paint a clear picture of how climate change, gender equality, poverty alleviation, access to quality education and more are understood and valued by northern youth. At the same time, youth learned more about the opportunities available to engage with these issues, whether through internships, studies, or other programs. The results of this project will help inform and inspire organizations, governments, and those working with youth, and of course, youth themselves, who are eager to contribute to creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world in their communities and beyond.
Youth across Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut have led this project to amplify northern youth's voices and expand their views of global issues. As northern youth, this project is important because we believe that the north is much more connected to the global community than what many people may initially think. We see this project as a way to support youth to think more critically about issues while providing an opportunity to connect based on shared interests.
We know that events around the world have far-reaching impacts beyond their social and geographical location — and that is a critical time to bring northern youth together, raise our awareness, and broaden our understanding of the world around us.
Thank you,
The Youth Data Collection and Research Team
Meet Our Team
My name is Ira Mamis, I’m 22 years old, and I’m living in the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. I was born and raised in the Philippines and immigrated to the Yukon in 2005. I am pursuing my Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Regina (in partnership with Yukon University). During my free time, I enjoy hiking, travelling, and being involved in organizations such as Colleges and Institutes Canada, the Canadian Council for Refugees, and the Canadian Filipino Association of Yukon. I am passionate about newcomers and immigrants, children and youth, the SDG’s and community building. I’m excited to be part of this project and work alongside leaders who are equally passionate about amplifying Northern youth's voices.
SDG 4: Quality Education is important to me because I believe everyone should have access and the resources for quality education and lifelong learning. SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals is also important because I believe that to achieve the SDG’s by 2030 — it needs partnerships and collaboration from everyone on local, regional, national, and international levels.
Abeer is a recent McMaster University graduate with a strong interest in addressing global issues currently impacting the North. Abeer recognizes the unique challenges faced by Northern youth in having their voices heard and engaging in advocacy for their communities. With that said, she is incredibly excited to be part of a project that aims to amplify the perspectives, thoughts, and ideas of young people living in the North and create a future that meets their interests and needs. In her spare time, Abeer enjoys running, writing poetry, and sketching!
SDG 3: Good health and Well-being is one of the most important SDGs to me. I believe this SDG encourages us to look at the multiple ways in which health and well-being can be defined by different communities and take a holistic, intersectional approach in addressing the multiple factors that hold the potential to impact an individual’s health wellbeing.
It is a privilege to have grown up and to continue living in Yellowknife, located on Chief Drygeese Territory, the traditional home of the Yellowknives Dene. Since receiving my BSc in Honours Psychology from UBC Okanagan, I have been working for the territorial government as a case manager supporting people with complex needs in navigating the services’ system. Through this work, I have been able to draw many connections from the local issues experienced in the north to that of the larger global community. I share great excitement with my team in being part of a project that will amplify the perspectives and voices of young northern people, and foster a sense of connectedness between the northern and global communities.
SDG 10: Reducing Inequalities is one of the keys to a future of sustainability to me. By giving everyone equal access to economic, social, and health opportunities, among others, we promote growth, poverty reduction, and well-being for all.
I am a Whitehorse resident, who is pursuing a degree in Political Science. I am hoping this project will connect northern Canadian youth together, and expand their worldview on issues that they are passionate about. It is exciting to see where this project is going! In my spare time, you can find me fishing, or thinking about fishing.
SDG 4: Quality education is the most important to me. This SDG ensures that those who have access to quality education have vastly improved opportunities to impact their community in meaningful and positive ways.
Hello everyone! My name is Sruthee Govindaraj. I am an environmental scientist at Core Geoscience Services Inc. in Whitehorse, with a background in biology and human health. I did my undergrad at the University of Ottawa in Biology and am pursuing the Climate Change Policy certificate at Yukon University. I love traveling, meeting new people, reading, and watching movies. Canada’s North is experiencing the effects of climate change at an accelerated rate, affecting everyone. It is a matter of social justice, health and wellbeing, and the future of the planet. As a global citizen, I want to do everything I can to help preserve and nourish the planet for the future.
SDG 3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages - is most important to me because good health and well-being is a human right, and I strive to help make the world a healthier and safe place for everyone.
My name is Gabriel Klengenberg and I am from Kugluktuk, Nunavut but have been living in Yellowknife Northwest Territories my whole life, I am a graduate of Inuit Studies from Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa, I am very athletic and outgoing, I love winter, I am excited to see what happens with global issues after this project is done.
The most important SDG for me, is SDG 5 - gender equality, because growing up I saw a lot of gender inequality, especially in sports.
My name is Jessi Pascal, I am from Aklavik, the most western community in the Northwest Territories. I am a young individual that is an active harvester and fisherman. I enjoy being out on the land and the fresh air it comes with. My keen interests include local politics, the environment and media. I was interested in taking part in this project because I believe that the next steps are the steps that will make a difference in the northern regions. The issues that we have been talking about are important, and we all relate to them no matter our location. This is a youth-led project and that says a lot.
The SDG that stands out for me personally, is Goal 7. Affordable and clean energy. I believe that if our small communities want to continue living on the land, or doing recreational events, improved energy solutions can decrease the cost and improve access (gas/fuel are very expensive). This is a goal we can move towards in order to ensure that we can continue doing the traditional things we do while using less energy. This is good for ourselves, and the planet too.
My name is Kadrienne Hummel, and I am a member of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun. I grew up in the remote community of Mayo, Yukon, on my traditional territory. I love being outdoors, hiking, canoeing, and practicing my culture. Growing up remotely has made me aware of the many disadvantages that northern youth face. I am passionate about Climate Change and Youth Empowerment. I want to show youth in remote communities; it is possible to stand for change no matter where you come from.
I resonate strongly with SDGs 3 and 6. SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Everyone deserves to have a sound body, mind, and soul. Mental health is the first thing that impacts education, career, and being able to live a healthy lifestyle. Access to programs that promote a healthy way of living should be available for all.
SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Having access to water is not only a life necessity to humans but also plants and wildlife. All creation relies on water, so it is important to have clean water for the sustainability of life for generations to come.