Terry Young, Wolastoqiyik - KFN

Kwe
I’m running for a position on council
Please share !!

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Terry Young - For your consideration for a position on Council, Bilijk First Nation

Guided by Tradition, Committed to Tomorrow
Who I Am
Wetapeqsultiyeq. Where we come from a common beginning.
My name is Terry Young, and I am honoured to put my name forward for Council for Bilijk First Nation. My life’s work has been shaped by language, culture, education, and community advocacy. Whether supporting Indigenous students, uplifting Wolastoqey language, or contributing to national conversations on reconciliation, I have always carried Bilijk with me.
I am running because I believe in our people, our strength, and our future. Pomawsuwinuwok. The people.
Why I’m Ready
My experience in education, cultural revitalization, community engagement, and Indigenous governance has prepared me to serve with responsibility and heart. I have worked in roles that require listening, collaboration, and steady leadership, and I bring those same qualities home to Bilijk.
Wetepeksultiyeq. Coming together.
Mawesson. They gather.
What Matters Most Right Now
Our most pressing issue is mental wellness and addiction. This affects families, youth, Elders, and the future of our community. Addressing it requires compassion, resources, and a commitment to healing that honours our teachings and our people.
Our greatest strength is us. Pomawsuwinuwok. The people.
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What I Will Work Toward with You

Community Wellness and Healing
Our most pressing issue is mental wellness and addiction. I have spent years working in community wellness, prevention services, and culturally grounded support systems, and I know that healing begins with compassion, connection, and culture. Healing also means making sure every member of our community feels seen, valued, and supported.
I will work to strengthen programs that help families, youth, and Elders access the care they need without stigma or barriers. I will support approaches that honour our teachings, our identity, and the realities our community faces. This includes creating safe, welcoming spaces for our Two‑Spirit and LGBTQ+ members, who deserve support that reflects both who they are and where they come from.

Commitments:
· Advocate for expanded mental wellness programs rooted in culture and community.
· Support accessible, stigma-free pathways to addiction services.
· Strengthen wraparound supports for families, youth, and Elders.
· Promote community spaces and programs that build belonging and safety.
· Support the creation of a Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ support group that offers culturally grounded services, peer connection, and a safe place to gather.
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Language, Culture, and Identity
Language and culture are what I bring to the table in a unique way. As a traditional ash basket maker and ceremonial song keeper, I understand how culture grounds us, strengthens us, and guides our decisions. My work in cultural revitalization, education, and community advocacy has always centred our identity as Wolastoqiyik.
I will support opportunities for all ages to learn, speak, and live our language. I will strengthen cultural programming that connects youth with Elders and knowledge keepers. I will ensure that our teachings guide how we plan, how we govern, and how we move forward.

Commitments:
· Support language learning opportunities for all ages.
· Strengthen cultural programming that connects youth with Elders and knowledge keepers.
· Promote cultural pride and visibility in community events, governance, and education.
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· Ensure decisions reflect Bilijk’s teachings, values, and identity.
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Youth Opportunity and Education
My work with Indigenous students at McGill and beyond has shown me how powerful it is when young people are supported, encouraged, and connected to who they are. Our youth deserve pathways that honour their identity and help them build strong futures.
I will advocate for programming, mentorship, and opportunities that help young people thrive. I will support access to education, training, and employment pathways. I will create spaces where youth feel heard, valued, and supported.

Commitments:
· Advocate for more youth programming, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
· Support access to education, training, and employment pathways.
· Create spaces where youth feel heard, supported, and valued.
· Encourage youth involvement in culture, governance, and community planning.
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Community Development and a Strong Future
Guided by Tradition, Committed to Tomorrow means building a future that reflects our values and protects what matters most. I have experience navigating government systems, coordinating multi‑partner initiatives, and aligning community priorities with institutional processes. This helps me understand how to move projects forward while keeping our identity at the centre.
I will support responsible development, housing, and infrastructure that meet community needs. I will strengthen partnerships that benefit Bilijk without compromising who we are. I will promote long‑term planning that reflects the voices of our members.

Commitments:
· Support responsible, community-driven development that reflects Bilijk’s values.
· Advocate for housing, infrastructure, and services that meet community needs.
· Strengthen partnerships that benefit Bilijk without compromising identity or sovereignty.
· Promote long-term planning that reflects the voices of members.
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Good Governance and Accountability
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My leadership style is grounded in listening, transparency, and respect. I have experience drafting briefing materials, coordinating across jurisdictions, and supporting collaborative processes between communities and governments. I believe in decision‑making that is fair, clear, and rooted in our teachings.
I will listen first. I will communicate openly. I will remain accountable to the community. I will support governance practices that reflect our values and strengthen trust.

Commitments:
· Communicate openly and regularly with members.
· Listen first, act with integrity, and remain accountable to the community.
· Support governance practices that are fair, transparent, and rooted in Bilijk’s teachings.
· Encourage community involvement in decision-making processes.
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Woliwon
I am running because I believe in Bilijk, in our people, and in the strength we carry forward from our ancestors. Guided by Tradition, Committed to Tomorrow is more than a slogan. It is a promise to honour where we come from and to work together for where we are going.
Woliwon for your trust, your guidance, and your voices. I look forward to meeting with you, listening to you, and walking this path together.

Happening this Wednesday ! Open to all Wabanaki men !!

Check this video out of me and my work with Immigration services !!

Weaving Our Stories: Terry Young Terry Young is an elder, pipe carrier, and knowledge keeper who shapes ash baskets with the wisdom of his ancestors. He warmly welcomes new Canadians at citi...