A Waterhen Lake First Nation teen has found his voice. Sean Bernard, a graduate of Carpenter High School in Meadow Lake who now resides in Edmonton, AB, was recently presented with the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation’s (SCIC) 2024 Emerging Global Citizen Award for his contributions toward sustainable development, both here at home and around the world.
“There was a gala held in Regina Feb. 9, the purpose of which was to celebrate people who are global citizens, people who have worked toward creating a world everyone can thrive in, especially when it comes to achieving sustainable development goals,” Bernard said. “SCIC wanted to highlight the efforts Saskatchewan people have been making locally and on the international level.” The Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation is a coalition of organizations and individuals working to advance sustainable global development. SCIC was formed in 1974 by international development and emergency relief agencies active in Saskatchewan. Today, its members include international development agencies, the peace-building and humanitarian bodies of major faith groups, educational organizations, solidarity groups, local community organizations, and local individuals committed to SCIC’s mission, vision, and principles.
“I was presented with the Emerging Global Citizen Award,” Bernard reiterated. “I was nominated a month ago by Tanis Crawford and recently received an email informing me I was the winner for 2024… It all comes down to growing connections and building relationships, and that’s what this whole celebration was about – the connections we’ve grown in Saskatchewan alone and how that can lead to even bigger change.” Bernard’s efforts to address sustainable development kicked off in a big way two years ago when he attended the 27th Conference of Parties in November 2022 held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
“I went there as a youth representing North American youth,” he said. “While there, I had an opportunity to do a presentation at the sustainable development goals pavilion where we talked about climate change and the issues we see in our communities. It all comes down to acting locally and thinking globally. I came back to my reserve, Waterhen Lake First Nation, and helped with the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathway program, and just continued to use what I learned through this tremendous opportunity in my community and to help other young people find their voices as well. Growing up introverted, this was something I never thought would be my story. But, it became my story and I know there are so many other youth who can create change by creating a bigger plan for themselves and for other people.” Currently, Bernard uses the skills he’s developed with Roots of Hope Saskatchewan as a member of its suicide advisory board.
“We focus on youth especially, while I also work as a ambassador of hope with the We Matter program,” he added. “It’s a program I feel is essential in terms of allowing youth to have a voice, and to do things their way and through their perspective. Youth and children are just as pow erful as anyone else to be a part of these conversations. I will also be working with INSPIRE – Saskatchewan’s largest celebration of young leaders. I still have connections with Waterhen Lake and Meadow Lake, and, even though I did recently move to Edmonton, I’m still finding ways to stay connected back home, while also reaching out and making new connections in Edmonton. My goal is to figure out how I can do this on a larger scale.” Bernard went on to reiterate another goal, allowing other people to have the opportunities he’s had, and to be able to help people realize they can find their voice and do these things too.
“It was extremely exciting and humbling to accept this award,” he said. “It was something I never saw for myself growing up. I grew up very introverted and felt I didn’t have a voice. Now, to be able to have that voice and to be recognized for it, made me very proud – both of myself and of the people who have helped me along the way. I am very grateful to everyone who has helped me on my journey. I couldn’t have done this without them, and I believe these sort of connections are very viable in order for us to grow with each other, as a community and at a global level.”