Squamish Youth Council welcomes new members for 2022-23 term 

(October 7, 2022) The second cohort of the Squamish Youth Council has been appointed. Seventeen youth were selected among the applicants to serve on a 10-month committee term through June 2023. In addition to five returning members, the Youth Council welcomes twelve new members this term. The first meeting took place October 5.   

“Working with the diverse, intelligent and kind group of Squamish youth who have chosen to speak up and make a difference in their community has been a true honour,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “These are our future members of Council, our business owners, our teachers and leaders in our community who may not yet have the opportunity to vote, but they have voices and opinions that matter, and they care about Squamish. We are providing them with the ability to make real decisions that can help them realize their impact.” 

Last year’s cohort organized ‘Friend Factor’ (a peer-to-peer mentorship training program), a free youth-friendly event in collaboration with a local business, and monthly youth-led columns in the Squamish Chief newspaper.  

Julie Schaber, returning to the Youth Council for a second year, reflected that what she gained from last year’s Council was “all the connections I’ve made within the community and on the Council, effective communication skills, and the belief that you can do anything with enough hard work and support”. 

2022/2023 Squamish Youth Council Members: 

Kiana Alai 
Ruby Armstrong 
Grant Boguski  
Derek Cameron 
Alec Fang 
Ella Guerin  
Neve Harrop 
Daisy Hawkins 
Katelyn Jewell 
Ceilidh Lawton 
Madeline Lawton 
Marlie Mastinsek 
Sammy Morrow 
Sophia Perry 
Oskar Sandell 
Julie Shaber  
Gurnoor Tatla 

The Squamish Youth Council is facilitated by Mayor Karen Elliott (through October 15; a new Council representative will be appointed early November) and Christine McLeod, Founder, Everyday Leaders and Rising Villages.  

Background 

Formed in 2021, the Squamish Youth Council is comprised of local youth who meet on a regular basis to collaborate on meaningful community issues.   

The Squamish Youth Council works in collaboration with District of Squamish Council, staff, and partner agencies on initiatives that support the implementation of the Squamish Youth Strategy. 

Adopted in 2019, the Squamish Youth Strategy is a comprehensive strategy developed ‘for youth, by youth’ in collaboration and consultation with Squamish youth and partner agencies. The Squamish Youth Council was identified within the Strategy’s key value of “Speak Up and Leadership” as an opportunity to expand youth leadership and authentically engage youth in decisions that affect their future and the future of their community. 

Squamish Youth Council Goals:  

• To amplify the voice of Squamish youth in matters and projects that directly impact them. 
• To create a series of youth-led projects that directly support the Squamish Youth Strategy. 
• To plant the seeds of civic engagement mindset and skillset in Squamish Youth. 
• To create a legacy that gives Squamish youth a seat at the decision-making table for years to come. 

For more information visit squamish.ca/youth. 

October 7, 2022