An Open Letter to Yukon First Nations Leaders: Our Emerging Leaders Are Watching

“We are the Children of Tomorrow… We strive to lead with our hearts, to check our egos, to believe in ourselves, to make collective decisions, to listen, and to uphold our values as First Nations people. We strive to put our Land, children and future generations first, to constantly learn and to grow when we are humbled. We will consult with our Elders, communities and our Youth and ensure we are well in mind, body, heart and spirit so that we may make good decisions and lead as whole people from the North, for our world.”

- Children of Tomorrow

To all Yukon First Nations leaders,

I am writing this letter with respect, care, and hope for our communities.

My name is Carissa Waugh. My Northern Tutchone name is Ékè Éwe, given to me after my great-grandmother Emma Shorty of Carmacks, Yukon. I am Kwanlin Dün First Nation, and I am an Ambassador for the Reconnection Vision.

In recent years, I have had the opportunity to step into leadership spaces attending gatherings and General Assemblies and I am honoured to now be mentoring youth who are beginning to do the same. Through these experiences, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting, especially as I witness the challenges many of our communities are navigating right now.

I want to share that I feel concerned for our emerging leaders.

Our youth are paying attention. They are listening, observing, and learning from what they see in leadership spaces.

Many of them carry a strong desire to contribute, to lead, and to make a difference. At the same time, some are hesitant to step forward because of the tension, burnout, and conflict they see.

This gives me pause, not because I doubt our leaders, but because I care deeply about who will carry this work forward.

I often think about the vision of “Together Today for our Children Tomorrow.” It reminds me that leadership is not only about today, but about what we are building for the generations to come.

I wonder:
Do we still feel the same sense of purpose and hope that brought us into leadership?
Are we creating spaces that feel welcoming and encouraging for those who will follow us?

These are not easy questions, but I believe they are important ones.

Across our communities, I’ve also heard people ask, “Where are the youth?” From what I see, many youth are present and they are just waiting for spaces where they feel safe, valued, and genuinely included. In some cases, they may not feel invited, or they may be unsure if their voices will be heard.

I also want to acknowledge the importance of ensuring that all people (especially women and those youth who have felt excluded) feel safe and supported in leadership spaces.

When people feel respected and valued, our communities are stronger for it. I share this not to criticize, but to encourage reflection and conversation.

We have strong teachings to guide us. Through the Reconnection Vision and the work rooted in “Together Today for our Children Tomorrow,” we are reminded of the importance of growing leaders in a good way - leaders who are grounded, humble, and connected to community.

As one teaching shares:

“There are all kinds of leaders, such as those who are elected, those who support the community, our Knowledge Keepers, and language champions. As Indigenous people, we are raised to be mindful of ego and greed, and to humbly serve our communities as leaders.”

Our youth carry so much strength and knowledge from their ancestors and from their lived experiences today.

They want to contribute. They want to be part of the conversation. And they want to feel that their presence matters.

We can support them by continuing to create spaces that are open, respectful, and inclusive. By inviting them in, listening to them, and walking alongside them as mentors.

Leadership is not an easy path, and I recognize the responsibility and pressure that comes with it. This letter comes from a place of respect for that work, and from a shared desire to see our communities continue to grow in a good way.

With humility, I offer these reflections in the spirit of care for our youth, our communities, and our future.

Be kind.
Be open.
Be the kind of leader that inspires the next generation to step forward.

“It takes bold courage and leadership to be a changemaker, to trust in new ways and share it with others.”