Chelsea Currie-Naytowhow is the RCMP Community Programs Officer based in Prince Albert. (submitted photo/Chelsie Currie-Naytowhow)

By paNOW Staff

Youth Advisory

RCMP Youth Advisory Committee seeking members in Montreal Lake Cree Nation

Apr 29, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Local RCMP are looking to build the relationship between themselves and youth in Saskatchewan with their new Youth Advisory Committee (YAC).

They are currently looking for members from Montreal Lake Cree Nation in advance of its kickoff in May.

“A number of YACs have been established in the past year across Saskatchewan, creating important opportunities for the RCMP to connect with youth, but also to learn and understand the issues that are most important to them,” said Chelsea Currie-Naytowhow, the RCMP Community Programs Officer (CPO) for Montreal Lake and other nearby communities.

Currie-Naytowhow is the RCMP’s first-ever Prince Albert based CPO. She started in January after previous experience working in victim services.

“We act as a link between the community and RCMP officers,” she said. “The main thing we do is try to help reduce and prevent crime through education and awareness, early intervention and community mobilization.”

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That’s where the YAC position comes in. Currie-Naytowhow is looking for 10 youth between the ages of 12 and 17 to help address issues like bullying, drug and alcohol use, and family/interpersonal issues among other topics that can be brought forward to chief, council and the RCMP. The group would also help plan and participate in events like Pink Shirt Day or suicide prevention initiatives.

“Once the Montreal Lake YAC kicks off, the members will collectively decide on locally valuable priorities and activities,” Currie-Naytowhow said. “I’m hoping this builds a relationship with RCMP and creates a voice for youth.”

She also hopes it’s just the start for other YACs to take shape in the region.

Due to COVID restriction, the Montreal Lake YAC would only meet once a month to start. Interested youth can pick up application forms at the local school or band office.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow