The Squamish Youth Council convened with many new members and several returning members.
On the evening of Oct. 5, the council met for the first time face-to-face this term and were in the process of getting to know each other by playing games and sharing an item that each person brought. Mayor Karen Elliott was in attendance, along with several other facilitators, to greet the youth.
“I wanted to be part of a bigger council that did more changes for the community,” said new member, Ruby Armstrong. “And that's why I wanted to do Squamish Youth Council.”
Sammy Morrow said she applied again to be on the council to hopefully continue the work the council did last school year.
“I want to see if we can continue the Friend Factor [group] that we created last year that I think about 20 people joined and really enjoyed,” said Morrow.
Another new member, Sophia Perry, said she hoped to help give input to decision-making about youth.
“I wanted to join a group that kind of gave me the opportunity to empower youth and give them a voice because I feel like a lot of time many decisions are made with a bit less consultation towards us,” she said.
While Elliott was there to begin this year’s meetings, she said the meetings will transition to the next mayor and council after this year’s election.
The council serves a 10-month term.
The current Squamish Youth Council members are:
Madeline Lawton
Daisy Hawkins
Alec Fang
Kiana Alai
Neve Harrop
Ella Guerin
Oskar Sandell
Ruby Armstrong
Sophia Perry
Katelyn Jewell
Derek Cameron
Marlie Mastinsek
Sammy Morrow
Grant Boguski
Julie Shaber
Ceilidh Lawton
Gurnoor Tatla
For more information about the council, please visit its website.
