The Youth Action Council (YAC) is a program derived from the Holistic Wellness Centre of the Prince Albert Grand Council. Linda Cairns is the Embrace Life Program Coordinator whose work focuses on suicide prevention and awareness. She created and oversees the Youth Action Council. The YAC encourages Indigenous youth to take on community leadership roles and seeks to prevent suicide by empowering youth to share their voices on community initiatives, to embrace life, to show support, and to promote wellness. The twelve First Nations that benefit from the program include Black Lake Denesuline, Cumberland House, Fond Du Lac, Hatchet Lake, James Smith Cree Nation, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Red Earth Cree Nation, Shoal Lake Cree Nation, Sturgeon Lake, and Wahpeton Dakota Nation. The program is based on a holistic treatment model that uses the cornerstones of treatment, including: spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. The concept of “living therapy” is also integrated into all interactions in which individuals, families, and communities participate. The Youth Action Council takes steps to empower youth and build strong, resilient communities.
