Dec4
BGC of Red Deer & District member Jordan Gopher has been named BGC Canada’s Indigenous Youth of the Year. BGC Canada celebrated its 4th annual Youth of the Year Awards ceremony on Tuesday, November 26 in Toronto. Hosted by TV personality Cheryl Hickey, local youth Jordan, was honoured as one of seven Youth of the Year Award recipients from across Canada.
Youth of the Year is a national initiative to recognize and celebrate exceptional youth who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and achievement in their communities. BGC Canada welcomed its first Indigenous Youth of the Year in 2022 in recognizing the need to create equitable spaces for Indigenous peoples.
Jordan has been a member of Red Deer Youth HQ/BGC since he was eleven. He now participates in various BGC events and values the sense of community and connection the Club offers. BGC has played a big role in his life, helping him break out of his shell and enjoy new experiences, especially in nature. As Indigenous Youth of the Year, Jordan feels honoured to represent his Club and community. Having grown from a quiet youth to someone who confidently expresses himself, he is excited to share his story.
“One word I could say to describe BGC is ‘fun’” said Jordan. “You’re given the opportunity to be a kid again and connect with people of all ages”
BGC Team Lead Hez Peter spoke his praise of Jordan, saying “kids stop and listen to him, and you can see the passion and the confidence he has. It’s such a full circle to watch him come in now, this strong, confident man.”
Jordan has received a $2,000 scholarship, a laptop, a prize package as well as media and leadership training to prepare him for the next year and a half as a BGC ambassador. Red Deer Youth HQ/BGC will also receive a grant to further support youth engagement and leadership work.
Jordan’s Youth of the Year introduction video can be found on the BGC Canada vimeo page.
Click here to watch Jordan’s video.
