From a Little Bay to the Big Apple

In the spring of 2025, Brooklyn Young was given an opportunity many young leaders only dream of—to attend high-level meetings at the United Nations (UN), surrounded by Indigenous leaders and global changemakers.

Young, a student in CNA’s Community Leadership Development Program, was in New York City from April 21 to May 2 attending the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).

She attended the conference as the Youth Representative on the Board of Directors for The People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre (PDIFC). PDIFC is a non-profit organization that delivers culturally-appropriate services to Indigenous people in urban regions, regardless of their status.  It is located in the Bay St. George region, where Young is from.

“It felt like nothing I could have ever imagined,” she recalled. “Like a dream come to life.”

“It felt like nothing I could have ever imagined.”

A Seat in the Circle

The UNPFII is a pivotal annual gathering focused on advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples worldwide.

Over 1,500 delegates attended the forum, which featured Indigenous leaders, experts, UN representatives, and member states discussing critical issues affecting Indigenous communities. Topics included the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), sustainable development, health, education, and cultural preservation.

Young described the experience as both powerful and emotional.

“It felt as though all the hard work, hopes, and dreams I had carried finally came together in that moment,” she said.

“The environment was incredibly welcoming, and the energy in every room was filled with purpose and passion. I was surrounded by people who shared the same drive to create change, and that sense of community was truly inspiring.”

Lessons Learned

Young was at the conference to listen, learn, and engage with the discussions and presentations. She said it allowed her to gain valuable insight into the complexities of Indigenous issues at an international level.

“Being an observer gave me the opportunity to absorb diverse perspectives, understand global challenges, and reflect on how these conversations can inform and inspire my own work and future goals,” she said.

Surrounded by powerful voices, important conversations, and global perspectives showed Young the importance of honouring the space that she holds and reminded her that her voice matters.

“The most impactful lesson I learned was finding the strength to take up space,” she explained. “As an Indigenous woman from a small, rural community, it’s easy to feel overlooked or unheard in larger spaces. But this experience taught me that I belong in those rooms. It gave me the confidence to stand in who I am, to speak with intention, and to understand that taking up space is not only okay—it’s necessary.”

“taking up space is not only okay—it’s necessary.”

“I’ve learned that when I show up fully and unapologetically, I create space for others to do the same,” she reflected. “That is a lesson I will carry with me always.”

Young shared that she was enriched by the genuine connections she made with people from different nations and backgrounds, all sharing a common goal.

“Those relationships are something I will carry with honour and gratitude for the rest of my life,” she explained. “It affirmed that representation is powerful, and that when we show up as our full selves, we not only claim space for ourselves but also open the door for others to follow.”

A Leader in the Making

Andrew Hibbitts is Brooklyn’s instructor in the Community Leadership Development program. He said he was incredibly proud when he heard that she would be attending the United Nations forum.

“It’s a rare and exciting opportunity for anyone, especially someone from this region, to attend United Nations meetings,” said Hibbitts. “When I found out that Brooklyn would be participating through her involvement with a local community organization, it really stood out as a moment worth celebrating.”

Hibbitts said that Young is a great example of how the Community Leadership Development program helps students grow into confident, community-minded leaders.

“She is someone committed to making a difference and building stronger communities. I’ve seen real growth in Brooklyn — she’s become more confident and grounded in her leadership style — and I know that as she graduates, she’ll be well prepared to enter the workforce and continue making an impact,” he said.

“She is someone committed to making a difference and building stronger communities.”

Finding Her Foundation

Young says she owes much of her confidence to her studies in the Community Leadership Development program.

“The program was truly transformational—not just in preparing me for this opportunity, but in shaping the person I am today,” she noted.

She explained that the program wasn’t solely about developing leadership skills; for her it was a journey of self-discovery that helped her understand who she is, what she stands for, and how she can use her voice to drive meaningful change.

Before the program, she often held back. She was nervous in large groups, hesitant to speak up, and unsure how much space she was “allowed” to take up.

She said the program offered a supportive environment that encouraged her to challenge her fears, step outside her comfort zone, and find strength in her voice.

“I learned not only how to advocate for myself but also how to lead in ways that uplift and empower those around me,” she said. “I came to see leadership not as a position, but as a responsibility—one rooted in empathy, accountability, and a commitment to community care.”

She felt prepared to enter high-level spaces like the United Nations with confidence, humility, and clarity.

“I truly believe that without the growth I experienced through the Community Leadership Development program, I would not have been fully prepared to embrace this opportunity in the way that I did.”

Her instructor’s perspective closely echoes her own.

“We emphasize reflection, community engagement, and applied learning,” said Hibbitts. “Students aren’t just studying leadership — they’re practicing it, whether it’s through placements, volunteer work, or projects that respond to real community needs.”

“That kind of hands-on approach helps students grow in confidence, resilience, and adaptability,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Young is in her final year of the Community Leadership Development program and is graduating this spring.

Attending the United Nations forum affirmed her commitment to becoming an Indigenous social worker.

“Hearing firsthand about the struggles, resilience, and strength of Indigenous communities around the world allowed me to see our issues through a broader lens,” she explained. “I now feel more equipped to serve and support Indigenous youth and our people who are navigating systems that often fail to see or understand them.”

She added that it reinforced her belief that healing and empowerment must come from within communities, and she is more determined than ever to be part of that work.

When asked what she would say to other aspiring young leaders, she advised, “Don’t be afraid to take up space.”

People were never meant to shrink themselves to make others comfortable, she explained.

“There will be moments when you feel like giving up. In fact, those are often the moments that matter most, the ones where showing up will change everything. Push through. Keep going. You’re stronger than you think,” she exclaimed.

“Own your voice, your power, and your presence.”

And in doing so, she continues to take up space—unapologetically.

“Own your voice, your power, and your presence.”