Thanks to support from the International Grenfell Association, the North West River Youth Engagement Initiative has been busy building connections across communities in Central Labrador through a new and exciting project.
This volunteer-run program started in spring 2024 and is focused on bringing together children, youth, and families from North West River, Sheshatshiu, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The goal is simple but meaningful: to create opportunities for people to connect, celebrate culture, and support one another.
In just the first few months, the initiative has already held several successful community events. One of the first was a logo design project in partnership with Lake Melville School. Students were invited to create logos that reflected shared Qaujimajatuqangit values. Each submission was full of creativity, and instead of picking just one, elements from all the designs were combined into a final logo. It’s a symbol that represents the whole community and the voices of the youth who helped shape it.
The team also hosted an end-of-school-year celebration and pizza party at the Labrador Interpretation Centre, with 45 kids and teens coming out to celebrate the end of the school year and kick off summer together.
On July 12, the group held a beach day and BBQ at the North West River beach, which brought together more than 70 people from both North West River and Sheshatshiu. The weather was perfect, and families enjoyed games, snacks, and quality time with one another. One big win from that day was the successful return of the beach volleyball net, which hadn’t been there in years. They’ve also bought volleyballs, basketballs, and soccer balls for local youth to sign out and use.
More events are planned in the weeks ahead, including a visit to the YMCA for swimming and sports. The team is also launching a backpack drive and school breakfast donation campaign to support families getting ready for the new school year. It’ll all wrap up on September 5th with a youth glow dance and wakeathon, where donations of breakfast food will be collected as entry.
Everything the North West River Youth Engagement Initiative does is grounded in bringing people together and helping youth build a stronger sense of self, culture, and community. The IGA is proud to support this work and the people behind it who are making such a meaningful impact.
