More than a dozen participants recently gathered in Yarrabah for the five-day Cape York Institute Leadership Academy (CYILA) – Positive Respectful Relationship Project.

Funded by the Department of Justice and Attorney General, the project provided leadership training to young people in Yarrabah, focusing on First Nations identity and the local youth committee.

On the first day, participants expressed eagerness to learn about community leadership.

"We don't have enough opportunities here in community that focuses on youth and community empowerment," one participant said.

"When I saw this program, I had no hesitation in participating."

Over the five days, participants engaged in leadership workshops and hands-on activities, including being on Country, cracking oysters, and fishing.

These activities aimed to connect them with their ancestral land and each other.

CYILA Project Coordinator, Ivy Minniecon said "connecting with country is how we heal as First Nations people".

"It's how we retain our identity and renew our focus," Ms Minniecon said.

During the week, participants visited several Cape York Partnership sites.

They learned about the work of the O-Hub team, Pama Platform, Bama Services, and Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership.

This was an opportunity for the young leaders to network and be inspired by the leadership and advocacy of their predecessors.

They saw faces of Cape York leaders, past and present, and heard stories of struggle and triumph.

The project also focused on enhancing community safety for young people by promoting respectful, safe, and healthy relationships.

Participants attended talks about consent, personal and online safety, and reducing the risk of domestic, family, and youth violence.

Ms Minniecon highlighted the project's importance in addressing toxic relationships.

"We have young parents and young people coming from broken homes that deal with domestic violence," she said.

"This was an opportunity to provide a space to have yarns, and to equip and empower our young leaders to break this cycle."

The Positive Respectful Relationship Project aims to create a brighter future for young people, equipping them with the resources and skills to lead in their Yarrabah community.