By Bhagyashree Chatterjee Local Journalism Initiative Crystal Lewis has been busy figuring out––what do Indigenous youth in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) need most, and how can those needs be met? For Lewis, who was elected BC Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Youth Representative at 29, answering these questions means addressing systemic issues like mental health, homelessness, and cultural loss. Over the past year, Lewis has participated in discussions on provincial and national levels, focusing on youth policy recommendations and cultural heritage. Advocacy and leadership roles Lewis began her work in governance as an intern on Parliament Hill, assisting former for Nunavut Member of Parliament Mumilaaq Qaqqaq and contributing to the development of the Indigenous Youth Parliamentary Internship Stream through GreenPAC. She has since expanded her focus to “include advocacy

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