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PEHDZEH KI/WRIGLEY - As leaders, elders and adult delegates debated what courses of action Dehcho First Nations should be taking at their annual assembly, a younger generation was forming its own opinions.

As youth delegates for Liidlii Kue First Nation, Gerald Hardisty and Shelly Hardisty were able to make their views known by speaking and voting on resolutions at the Dehcho First Nations' annual assembly. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The continuation of Dene languages and traditions are two areas that Shelly Hardisty is concerned about. Hardisty, 17, was one of two Liidlii Kue First Nation youth delegates at the assembly.

Hardisty has been to a number of the assemblies. She said she wanted to listen and see what was happening at them. This year she asked if she could be a youth delegate.

"I was interested and I wanted to come to Wrigley," she said.

During the three days of the assembly Hardisty said she heard about how the First Nations don't want to lose their treaties and how they want to fulfill their ancestors' instructions on protecting the land. All of the leaders had slightly different things to say but they all want to protect the land, she said.

Making decisions with youths in mind was also a common theme at the assembly. Hardisty said it was "kind of intense" when the leaders talked about youths because she realized someday she could be in their position at the table saying similar things about the next generation.

Hardisty said she'd like to play a part in ensuring traditions aren't lost and the treaties are honored.

"It's important to me," she said.

"I really hope we don't lose out on our traditional ways and the language."

Discussions on the current education system were what peaked the interest of Ariel Sanguez. Sanguez, 18, was a youth delegate for Jean Marie River First Nation.

Sanguez said she agreed with most of the comments made by Sharon Allen, a delegate from Liidlli Kue First Nation. Allen spoke about the desires of youths to learn the Dene languages and the fact they aren't taught at Thomas Simpson School.

There should be more cultural activities as well as Slavey language in the schools, said Sanguez. Sanguez said she'd also like to see more cultural activities held in different communities that people from the region could participate in as a way to keep traditions strong.

Differing from his fellow youth delegates, Joe Lacorne's concerns are of a more environmental nature.

Lacorne, a 15-year-old member of Ka'a'gee Tu Fir, said he'd like to see stronger protection of the water in the Deh Cho including a system that could filter the water coming from the south for any oil sand pollutants.

This was Lacorne's first year as a youth delegate at the assembly, although he's watched the assemblies before when they were held in his home community.

"It's good. I had fun," he said.

Lacorne said he was also interested in the discussions on Treaty 11, a topic he would like to learn more about.

"I think it's a good thing to have a treaty around for the community," he said.

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