Thanks to all of you awesome people who applied to the First Nations & Métis Youth in Action summer program. We're taking time now to review applications and will be in touch soon with shortlisted applicants.
Applications are now closed as of July 10, 2015
Welcome!
This is the second year we have offered this summer program to young First Nations and Métis people who are concerned about social and environmental justice. Over five intense days, you will develop new skills, smarts and ideas. We'll look at how change is made in society and we'll meet and learn from some change-makers who are working for a better world.
“I have a network of like-minded people I didn't have before. I have grown more comfortable with speaking and sharing and I have more confidence.”
- 2014 Next Up: First Nations & Métis Youth in Action participant
This awesome Next Up:First Nations & Métis Youth in Action video will give you a good picture of what our program is like!!
NEXT UP First Nations & Métis Youth in Action application
August 26-30, 2015 - Saskatoon, SK
"Young people's purpose is what our ancestors prayed for and less and less to do with the mainstream expectations."
-Colby Tootoosis, Cree from Poundmaker First Nation
Our application deadline was June 19th BUT we are currently holding a couple of spaces in our program to ensure that our group is diverse and that we are providing the opportunity for training to leaders of all genders and gender identities. Many strong female-identified folks have applied, been accepted into the program and are in the process of being notified. We know that there are male-identified, trans and two-spirit leaders out there that are equally talented and committed to social and environmental justice. Please help us find them by spreading the word and encouraging folks to apply ASAP.
o Between the ages of 18 and 32
o Male-identified, non-binary, trans or two-spirit
o First Nations and/or Métis
o Interested in social and environmental justice
If you checked all of the above, this program may be just right for you!
Click here to download and complete the application
Deadline to apply for those who meet this criteria is Friday, July 10 at 4:00 pm Saskatchewan time. Please email your completed application to [email protected]
Program information
Should I apply?
Yes! If you are:
- Aged 18–32
- Passionate about changing the way the world works, and committed to being active at the centre of social change
- Certain that there are better ways for us to take care of each other and the planet
- Willing to take a risk, join a team, and learn more about yourself
- Someone with leadership qualities (though leadership experience is not necessarily required)
What do you mean by leadership?
Everyone has a different take on the word “leadership.” For us, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re a big talker, or that you’re the popular person, or the funniest person, or the person who speaks in public a lot. You may have those qualities — or you may not. Leadership does mean that you think about the world around you and take action, with others, to make it a better place.
Who is Next Up?
Next Up runs a 7-month leadership program for 18-32 year olds from October to May every year. In Saskatchewan and across the country, there have been several Aboriginal graduates of the program and we talk about treaties, racism and many other issues that are important to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. This program is part of an effort to find ways to make Next Up even more welcoming & relevant to the experience of Aboriginal peoples.
By providing space specifically for Aboriginal peoples in a five-day intensive format, we hope to create a safe, welcoming environment where people can feel comfortable stepping into their own power. The five-day format is also more accessible for parents and people living outside Saskatoon. This model also provides more opportunities for Aboriginal grads to take on leadership and facilitation roles in our programming.
What will I learn?
You’ll learn more about yourself and your values, and about how to turn ideas into action. You’ll be challenged with new ways of thinking, provocative speakers, inspiring mentors and fascinating guests who are leading social change within Aboriginal communities and other communities in Canada. You’ll learn new skills and discuss solutions to problems like poverty, climate change and racism. You will meet people working in different areas of public policy and social change. And you’ll connect and work with people in Saskatchewan doing innovative social and environmental change work. Our goal is to equip you with the skills and tools needed to become an effective leader in movements for social and environmental change.
The sessions will be delivered by the Program Facilitators, Janelle Pewapsconias and Dustin Fiddler, and by guest presenters.
What level of commitment is required from me, and when?
We expect participants to attend all five days and some evening sessions so you would need to take Wednesday, August 26 to Sunday, August 30 off from school or work. Those who attend all sessions will receive an honorarium of $200.
How much does it cost?
It's free! – for you! In fact, if you attend all sessions and the focus group after the program, you will be paid! The cost of the program is about $1,300 per participant. But the program will cover those costs, with the support of our sponsors and donors. For your part, you just have to commit time, energy, curiosity and a desire to change the world.
I live outside Saskatoon. Can I still attend?
We encourage applications from people anywhere in Saskatchewan and we will do our best to help support travel costs for people outside Saskatoon and find guest rooms in the homes of past graduates and other community supporters. Please indicate in your application if you will need support for travel costs and from where you are traveling.
Is childcare provided?
We encourage applications from participants with children and will provide a subsidy of $25.00 per day to parents who request it. Please indicate in your application form if you need childcare support.
We encourage applications from people of all genders, Two-Spirit people, and people with disabilities. We acknowledge that systemic oppression and harsh realities of life may make participation difficult for some, and we will do our best to assist people who want to participate.
Will food be provided?
We will provide lunches throughout the program, and snacks throughout the day. You will be on your own for breakfast and supper.
What important dates do I need to know?
-
Friday, June 19 (4:00pm, Saskatchewan Time) Application Deadline.
- Friday, July 10 Extended deadline for Male-Identified, Trans, Non-Binary and Two-Spirit folks
- Wednesday, August 26 to Sunday, August 30 – the program will run 9:30 am to 5 pm each of these days. We may also run team-building activities on one or two of the evenings.
What is the language of learning for the program?
All sessions will take place in English, though some presenters will share some words in their own Indigenous languages.
Where does the funding come from?
Support for Next Up: First Nations, Métis & Inuit Youth in Action has been provided by Saskatoon Health Region, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Lotteries, SaskOutdoors, The Better Good, The Council of Canadians, Grant McMurray in Memory of Sabina and Rene McMurray, SIGA (Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority) and countless individual donors! We are grateful for their support!
I have a different question, who can I ask?
Contact Next Up Saskatchewan Coordinator Tracey Mitchell at [email protected] or give Tracey a call 306-321-5097