March 17, 2026 · Vancouver

BCAFN Emerging Leaders Panels at the Economic Forum

Katisha joined two panels on Indigenous youth leadership at the BC Assembly of First Nations Economic Forum.

The BCAFN Emerging Leaders: Elected Youth in BC fireside chat in xʷməθkʷəy̓əm explored the trade of knowledge systems and experiences of young leaders navigating the socioeconomic landscape. They talked about using our laws and inherent right to self-determination as effective solutions for breaking down systemic barriers.

From Perspective to Policy: Youth Driving Change panel brought together youth representatives, elected youth leaders, and First Nations leadership to explore how young people are actively shaping governance and policy decisions. They shared real experiences from decision-making tables, unpacked how policy processes work, and discussed both the challenges and opportunities for meaningful cooperation. The session highlighted practical pathways for collaborative policy development, demonstrating how youth voices move beyond consultation to create tangible change within First Nations governance systems.

Date
March 17, 2026

Location
Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver, BC

Role
Panelist, Indigenous Youth Leadership

Partners
BC Assembly of First Nations

Katisha Paul of NEPENEK, Indigenous panelist, on the Indigenous youth leadership panel at the BC Assembly of First Nations Youth Forum
A woman and a man smiling together at a BC Assembly of First Nations forum attended by Katisha Paul of NEPENEK
Three attendees taking a selfie at a BC Assembly of First Nations forum attended by Katisha Paul of NEPENEK
Panelists seated on stage at the BC Assembly of First Nations Youth Forum in Vancouver, where Katisha Paul of NEPENEK spoke as an Indigenous panelist
Two attendees taking a selfie at a BC Assembly of First Nations forum attended by Katisha Paul of NEPENEK
A panelist speaking into a microphone on stage at the BC Assembly of First Nations Youth Forum in Vancouver, where Katisha Paul of NEPENEK spoke as an Indigenous panelist
Two women standing together in a hotel lobby at a BC Assembly of First Nations forum attended by Katisha Paul of NEPENEK
Two women smiling in a selfie at a BC Assembly of First Nations forum attended by Katisha Paul of NEPENEK
Three panelists seated on stage at a BC Assembly of First Nations forum attended by Katisha Paul of NEPENEK
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