This dynamic organization was founded in 1999 by Redmond Little Chief who had organized a Suicide awareness conference, "Wake Up Call", in the Aboriginal Community. The strongest recommendation from this conference was a call for the development of an Aboriginal Youth Council to assist the Mayor in decisions of policy and strategy on issues concerning Aboriginal Youth in the city of Calgary. With this recommendation in mind, Mr. Little Chief coordinated a roundtable to discuss the opportunities and strategies of the council and the Mayor's Aboriginal Youth Advisory Committee (MAYAC) was formed.
Armed with fresh ideas and the support of Mayor Al Duerr, MAYAC formed the Board of a second entity, USAY, and in 2000 hosted the 1st Annual Firekeepers Gathering aimed at assisting Aboriginal youth with the issues surrounding their success in an urban setting. The success of Firekeepers was encouraging enough for the USAY Board to explore the other opportunities for Aboriginal Youth in Calgary and see where they could assist in helping to make the experience of living and succeeding in this city a positive one.
With grants from Family and Community Support Services , United Way, Metis Nation of Alberta and Alberta Community Development, USAY formed a non-profit organization in August of 2001 and began paving the way as one of Calgary's leading organizations for Aboriginal Youth.
Today USAY continues its service to the Aboriginal community with a fresh new "Youth Friendly" location just off 17th Ave in a high traffic location for youth activity. We continue to provide youth with the opportunity for advancement through Board and volunteer opportunties as well as giving then the opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions on urban life through print medium with NEW TRIBE Magazine. USAY will continue to seek out new opportunities and develop programming that will help youth achieve their short and long term goals for a sucessful, happy future in the city of Calgary for year to comewith the help of the Aboriginal community and its partners.
Usay Mission Statement
Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) will enrich the lives of all Urban Aboriginal youth nurturing self empowerment and fostering healthy collaboration and communication to ensure healthy future generations.
Usay Vision Statement
Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) will be recognized as a fundamental organization in society, empowering Urban Aboriginal youth to envision and attain a healthy sustainable future while upholding traditional Aboriginal values.
