Harmony Movement announced today that the 2010 Harmony Award will be presented to youth activist Jessica Yee of the Native Youth Sexual Health Network.

Jessica Yee founded the Native Youth Sexual Health Network, based in Toronto and on the Oneida reservation in Wisconsin, at the age of 20. She has become an internationally respected youth leader who organizes forums on indigenous youth and writes, edits and produces books, videos and theatre about youth sexuality, reproductive justice, and activism “Ms. Yee is a strong believer in the power of the youth voice and in breaking down barriers of discrimination and fighting for social justice,” Harmony Movement chair Lois Tori said. “Her advocacy and activism for a more inclusive and equitable Canada epitomizes Harmony Movement‟s ideal of a youth leader for social change.”
A prolific writer and speaker, Ms. Yee is the author of Sex Ed and Youth: Colonization, Sexuality and Communities of Colour, as well as the forthcoming book to be published by Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Deconstructing the Academic Industrial Complex of Feminism. She will be featured in the new National Film Board documentary Feminism Now.
The Harmony Award recognizes those who made significant contributions to the promotion of harmony and equity, and who have worked tirelessly to enrich the diversity in Canada. Past recipients include Josh Thome and Sol Guy, Roméo Dallaire, Michele Landsberg and Stephen Lewis, Temple Har Zion and the Islamic Ja‟affari Centre, June Callwood, and Roberta Jamieson.

In addition to honouring Jessica Yee, Harmony Movement will award its educator awards and scholarships at its awards banquet on November 2 at Arcadian Court, Toronto.