Anishinabek Education System
Youth Council
Empowering youth leaders to shape education, culture, and community
The Anishinabek Education System (AES) Youth Council is a collective of youth leaders from across participating First Nations who provide insight, voice, and leadership on matters affecting Anishinabek youth within the AES. The newly elected Youth Council was chosen on April 8–9, 2025, during the annual Niigaan Gdizhaami Forum in Sault Ste. Marie, through a traditional stand-up election process.
This year’s council includes a total of eight youth councillors, each committed to representing all AES regions and promoting youth engagement in education, culture, and community development. Looking ahead, the Youth Council aims to continue building strong relationships among youth, increase cultural knowledge sharing, and amplify youth voices in decision-making spaces within the AES.
Ogimaa Kwe, Nipissing First Nation
Cailen Hanzlik
Aanin, Giizhik Kwe minwa Ogimaa Kwe ndizhnikaaz, Nbisiing ndoonjibaa, Waabzheshiinh ndoodem, Anishinaabe Kwe ndaaw, Laurentian University ndoo-kinomaagos.
Aaniin, hello, my name is Cailen, my Anishinaabe name is Cedar Woman, I am 24 years old, I am from Nipissing First Nation and I come from the Marten Clan.
I graduated from Laurentian University in the Indigenous Social Work program with a minor in Indigenous Studies, in June 2024. I was elected to the Anishinabek Education System and the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body Youth Council as the Gimaa Kwe (Chief), and I am honoured to have been re-elected for a second term with the council.
It is with great honour that I am able to sit on the Youth Council with 7 other brilliant Anishinaabe students from across the province to collaborate and include youth voices in decision-making related to our education. We look forward to gathering and making positive changes to decrease the barriers and challenges that Anishinaabe youth face in the mainstream education system.
Netmizaaggamig First Nation
Jim Forneri
Hi, my name is Jim, I’m in grade 10 and I am currently 16.
I hope I can make a change for other youth, and future generations to come and learn the Anishinabek ways of life, our traditions, and culture, within school systems.
Zhiibaahaasing First Nation
Daynara Cyr
My name is Daynara Cyr. I live in Greater Sudbury and I am from Sheshegwaning, Zhiibaahaasing, and Beausoleil First Nation.
I’m a very active community member in the Sudbury Friendship Centre. I take as many classes as possible to learn about the culture and language. I love to paint in the Ojibwe pop art and floral styles. I am passionate about beading and learning our beautiful language.
I joined the council in hopes of being apart of positive change.
Zhiibaahaasing First Nation
Lucius Cyr
Nipissing First Nation
Jade Goulais
Boozhoo, Wabanoo Kwe ndizhnikaz, Nishnaabe n’daaw, Nippising First Nation ndoonjibaa, Sturgeon Falls Ontario ndoondaa. St. Joseph Scollard-Hall ndoo-kinomaagos.
Hello, my name is Jade Goulais (Wabanoo Kwe), I am a two-spirit nishnaabe, I come from Nippising First Nation,
I reside in Sturgeon Falls Ontario, and I just graduated from St. Joesph Scollard Hall with a special high skills major in, indigenous culture and arts. Next year I will be attending Canadore College in the Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention program.
I feel extremely honored and grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of this year’s AES Youth Council. As I am a Mental Health Advocate, my biggest aspiration is to improve Indigenous Youth Mental Health by healing through culture. Miigwech.
Whitefish River First Nation
Nakia Nahwegahbow
Whitefish River First Nation
Lucy Paibomsai
Beausoleil First Nation
Carson Norton-Sutherland
Contact Us
To connect with the Youth Council, email our Youth Initiatives Coordinator, Kaelyn Pizzale at: Kaelyn.Pizzale@a-e-s.ca!
The Youth Council welcomes questions, ideas, and opportunities from students and community members. Contact the Council directly to share concerns, provide feedback, or learn how to get involved.
