By Rosalind Russell – Youth from across the North Shore Corridor and Manitoulin Island are part of the new Robinson Huron Treaty Youth Advisory Committee, a step in strengthening youth leadership and engagement across the territory.
Executive Director of the Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin organization, Earl Commanda says it will oversee the committee, which held its inaugural meeting in late February.
He says eight youth have been appointed to represent the 21 First Nations within the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty.
Commanda adds the members will help design and lead the first Robinson Huron Treaty Youth Gathering and co-develop a long-term Youth Engagement Plan as part of their mandate.
He says the youth have begun the work and will report back to the organization in late Spring.
The inaugural members are as follows:
Chad McKay – Batchewana First Nation
A 25-year-old Indigenous artist and educator, Chad is committed to creating a lasting legacy through art and experiences inspired by the gifts given by Gichi Manidoo, ensuring future generations remain inspired and connected.
Daynara Cyr (Zhaashkwe Naangosh) – Zhiibaahaasing First Nation
An experienced youth advocate, Daynara serves on multiple youth councils including the Anishinabek Education System Youth Council, Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services Youth Advisory Council, Rainbow District School Board Student Senate, and as Student Trustee for RDSB. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the Ontario Student Trustee Association’s Indigenous Student Trustee Council. She is passionate about ensuring youth voices are present in decision-making spaces.
Jared “Gaagaagi” Commanda – Nipissing First Nation
An Ojibwe Firekeeper and third-year Mechatronics Engineering student at Queen’s University, Jared applies robotics and data-driven tools to environmental stewardship, with a focus on water protection and Indigenous data sovereignty. He is committed to bringing Indigenous leadership into engineering and environmental governance.
Jacob Genereux (Zhaawshkwaagamik Nbish – Blue Green Water) – M’Chigeeng First Nation
Jacob is Co-Chair and Ontario representative on the Ways of the Heart Youth Council (National Indigenous Youth Council on Mental Wellness). Holding a Master’s in Sport Management & Leadership and a background in sport and exercise science, he currently works as an Indigenous Youth Prevention/Intervention Worker with the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising.
Tierra Madahbee-Abotosaway – Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation
Currently serving as an Anishinaabe Aadiziwin Apprentice in Whitefish River First Nation, Tierra is passionate about mental health supports, bridging the Elder-youth gap, and integrating cultural practices into everyday life. She is dedicated to centering youth voices in conversations about Treaty rights, land, and future generations.
Julianna Grant – Nipissing First Nation
An Anishinaabekwe and proud band member of Nipissing First Nation, Julianna is an avid fancy shawl dancer, reader, and writer who brings cultural pride and creativity to her leadership role.
Grace Martin-Wirta – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (Youth-at-Large)
Currently residing on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories, Grace is a co-founder and business analyst at a First Nations consulting firm focused on economic reconciliation through federal procurement initiatives. With a background in psychology and philosophy from UBC, she is grounded in responsibility to land, community, and relational accountability.
Aurora Ominika-Enosse – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Aurora holds a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Indigenous Studies from Carleton University and currently works as a Project Coordinator focusing on youth initiatives at the National Association of Friendship Centres. She is dedicated to creating spaces where youth feel safe, valued, and empowered to lead.
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