Every summer for the past thirteen years, the Labrador Friendship Centre has held a Multi Cultural Youth Gathering (MCYG). At this event, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth come from all over Labrador to spend a fun and enlightening weekend together. The purpose of the gathering is to educate the youth about important issues facing Labrador, to teach them about their own culture and that of others and to help them gain pride about their ancestry.

As always, the MCYG will also educate youth about cultural awareness and diversity. The National Aboriginal Role Model Program will be involved, which provides youth with excellent role models to promote healthy lifestyles. Numerous fun and educational activities are also planned, such as language sessions, a sweat lodge, storytelling, traditional craft making and much more.

Not only are Labrador's youth involved. Elders from Labrador's three Aboriginal groups come to the gathering to share their knowledge. In doing so, Labrador's heritage is preserved, ensuring our ways of life are not lost.

The weekend is designed to get people from many cultural backgrounds together. In doing this they can learn about themselves, about others, make new friends, and have a lot of fun doing so.

The 2009 Multi Cultural Youth Gathering is scheduled for August 14-16, 2009. Keep an eye out for applications - they will be available soon!

Event Coordinators
Lucy Niles and Maria MacDonald