Press Releases

On January 18, members of the Shxwhá:y Village Youth Council will visit with Mayor Gaetz and Chilliwack City Council. This meeting will function as a meet and greet between the youth and City Council and will help establish positive relations going forward.

The Shxwhá:y Village Youth Council is comprised of six young people, ranging in age from 14 to 18. These young leaders represent themselves, their community and their schools with distinction.

“Maintaining good relationships with our community and neighbours is a priority of our Council,” said Mayor Sharon Gaetz. “We look forward to meeting with the up and coming youth leaders that are part of the Shxwhá:y Village Youth Council as they are the voice of our future.”

“Some of these youth may one day be members of Chief and Council proper. Establishing positive relationships with local leaders and building networks are fundamental values in our community, and our young leaders want to reflect those values during this meeting,” said Shawnee Kruger, Youth Program Coordinator at Shxwhá:y Village.

“Having grown up on Shxwhá:y, I always had wished for something like this when I was younger,” added Shawnee Kruger. “These youth are setting an example of what is possible not only for Indigenous youth, but for young people everywhere. We are so very proud of them.”

Members of the media are invited to attend this initial meeting to learn more about the Shxwhá:y Village Youth Council. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at Chilliwack City Hall (8550 Young Road) on January 18 at 3:30 pm.

The Shxwhá:y Village Youth Council will be holding their first fundraiser, for their Child and Youth Program and for their Elders, at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, February 1, at the Shxwhá:y Village Band Hall. Members of the public are invited to attend, and the youth are already in the preliminary planning stages for future fundraisers for BC Children’s Hospital and the Chilliwack Food Bank.