Skidegate youth will vote for their own council next week giving them a voice in the community.The new Skidegate Youth Council will have male and female representatives in four age groups, as well as a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer says Skidegate Band Councillor Rose Russ. The structure of the council was devised by youth at a youth and recreation planning meeting held several weeks ago said Councillor Russ. She said 33 young people attended that original meeting. All seven of the new Skidegate Band councillors are also interested in the recreation portfolio and one of these councillors will always attend a youth council meeting."We're just giving the kids a voice, as adults have a voice," said Ms Russ.The Skidegate Band Council will give the new council a start-up budget and after the election, the first item on their agenda will be to organize a youth delegation to train for, fundraise and go to a canoe gathering in Duncan. Other than this prior commitment, the incoming youth council will have an open slate for activities to plan, but the hope is that they will involve youth from surrounding communities as well.Ms Russ said Skidegate band councillors look forward to working closely with Queen Charlotte Councillor Kris Olsen and with the teens of Queen Charlotte as well.Nominations closed on April 25 and 32 candidates are running for 12 positions. Each age group will have a male and female representative and the ages break as follows: 25-29, 20-25, 16-20, 13-16. A president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer will also be elected.The election will be held Wednesday (May 7) between 4 pm and 7 pm at the Skidegate Community Hall. Pizza and refreshments will be available.