Among the 58 Squamish First Nation members seeking a seat at their council in Sunday's band elections are two neophytes who have not yet seen their 20th birthdays.
Taylor George-Hollis and Chrystal Starr Lewis have been campaigning door-to-door on band lands. They are both students at Capilano University, where George-Hollis is studying linguistics and politics as well as Squamish culture and Coast Salish language and Lewis is working to get the prerequisites needed to get her on the path to one day becoming a psychiatrist.
Though they only just met each other a month ago, George-Hollis and Lewis offer remarkably similar reasons for entering politics.
"I would hope to see stronger communication and accessibility to the membership," George-Hollis said. "... making sure that the membership knows all of the negotiations and actions that the council is making on their behalf."
Lewis agrees and is receiving lots of support at the doorsteps of her canvassing.
"I think now is the time people have to be more honest with the community and inform them of their decisions before decisions are made," she said.
Beyond increased accountability, the two are running on platforms of economic development, better environmental protection and access to support programs.
As for why the two teens are so active and engaged while most 19-year-old are more preoccupied with weekend plans and whatever is trending on Twitter, Lewis described it in chicken-and-egg terms.
"I think a lot of people are just afraid to take that step forward, and sometimes they don't know how to go about it, but I think if we had more support programs, it could inspire the youth to do these things as well as spread awareness about what's going on. I think that would make a huge impact on their lives," she said. "I think if youth are running for council this year, it will inspire (more) to next year."
Not surprisingly, George-Hollis also sees a direct connection between the level of engagement Squamish members have with their government and their nation's prospects for the future.
"I just hope that a lot of youth like myself can make a difference in my community by being informed. I would love to start a program with postsecondary preparation. It ties into economic development and civil engagement. I can see that will lead into our strong future as our nation will continue to prosper," she said.
"If I don't make it on council this year, that's fine as long as I inspire others to go out there and take healthy risks and be shown new opportunities and experiences."
Squamish members will go to the polls Sunday to elect 16 council members to four-year terms.
