Jeunesse Territoires du Nord-Ouest mission is to give young members of the Northwest Territories’ francophone community an opportunity to assemble and enjoy stimulating experiences while reaching their full potential.
There is no ongoing funding of the service. The ad hoc funding of projects makes it virtually impossible to plan regular events. This makes it difficult to encourage traditions among youth and help them to cultivate a positive attitude toward the francophone community.
They lack interest in the francophone community due to the gaps in infrastructure and programs. This has implications when it comes to youth participation levels, which sometimes makes it very difficult to meet the quotas set for us. Community isolation and geographical remoteness make getting together, something that is essential to building one’s identity, difficult. Transportation costs are especially high. Consequently, there are fewer activities, fewer participants, and a little less visibility despite the fact that Jeunesse Territoires du Nord-Ouest goes to a great deal of effort to build partnerships and provide young people with activities.
We are also a member of the Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française. We participate at the national level. However, a major challenge for us is youth participation and this is due to a lack of funding for ongoing projects.