FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yellowknife, NT. – June 26, 2026

The Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (BQCMB) has launched a Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), announced last week at the North American Caribou Workshop in Yellowknife, NT. The launch follows the Board’s 100th meeting in Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, marking a significant milestone in barren-ground caribou co-management.

The YAC was developed by a youth working group who met virtually and in person this spring. Their inaugural gathering focused on relationship-building, sharing what caribou mean in each region, and drafting Terms of Reference to guide youth selection, priorities, and contributions to BQCMB projects.

“I hope that youth are involved, have a strong voice, and that we are not afraid to speak up for what we believe in and what we want,” said Keesha Marten of Fond Du Lac Denesųłiné First Nation, SK. “I am also a mother, and I think it’s important to protect the caribou for the future generations, for my children and for the future children of our people.”

For many years, youth have been invited to speak at BQCMB meetings–but young people, Board members and Elders alike have expressed the need for a stronger, ongoing youth role in the Board’s work. The YAC responds by establishing a formal, consistent Indigenous youth voice in caribou management and stewardship.

I’m very hopeful with this committee,” shared Boris Eyakfwo from Gamètì, NT (pictured right).

“I see a lot of potential: I see very strong, passionate young people, and together, I think we’re going to do a lot of great work – not just for ourselves, but for the future, for the next generations.”

By connecting youth leaders with Board members, harvesters, and government officials, the YAC will help support the long-term conservation of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou herds and their habitat. It will also help to keep the knowledge, languages, and land-based practices connected to caribou strong for future generations.

 

About the BQCMB:

The BQCMB is a co-management advisory board that works to conserve the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou herds, which migrate across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The majority of board members represent Indigenous communities and all board members live in northern Canada.

Media Contact:
Fiona Rettie
Communications Specialist
frettie@arctic-caribou.com