A Prince Albert man looking to be president of the Provincial Métis Youth Council is looking to focus on a couple of areas to help young people.
Cody Demarais, who owns and operates a business in P.A. explained he has a number of issues he would like to focus on if elected.
“Addictions, mental health and building confidence in our youth,” he said.
Demarais said with the current financial resources now available to MN-S he would look to undertake some specific initiatives to help young Métis people.
“I will be able to use resources for bringing in speakers, conference, youth engagement programs as well, connecting the bridge for education,” he said.
Along with running his business and working as a motivational speaker, Demarais as well serves as an elected board member for the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce. This is the first time he has stood for election in the MN-S.
Demarais said he believes the MN-S is doing good work on a number of fronts, including on housing and child care. He adds the organization is moving in what he feels is the right direction.
“Metis Nation-Saskatchewan is moving forward for the better in all sorts of different realms,” he said.
The 27-year-old Demarais said he was also motivated to put his name forward as he has always looked to be a leader in his life.
During an earlier time in his life Demarais explained he was looking for a sense of belonging which led to some bad decisions involving drugs and alcohol. He said once he began connecting with his Métis roots his life changed for the better.
“One of the best things I’ve ever done in my life was give myself to my heritage,” he said.
Besides Demarais, there are two others running for the youth council presidency, Jade Rooney and Autumn LaRose-Smith. Eligible voters will be casting their ballots on November 5 and 6.
(Cody Demarais, Photo Courtesy of Michael Joel-Hansen/MBC News)