YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Indigenous Climate Action knows that investing in Indigenous Youth is the way forward to a sustainable future for humanity and the Earth. That is why we work to serve the needs of youth who strive for climate justice, and Indigenous rights and sovereignty by providing resources and tools, education and training, creating movement spaces for youth, led by youth, and uplifting the voices of our young leaders today.
Check out our Youth Leaders Trello board for access to youth opportunities, trainings, jobs, resources, events, organizations, & community!
Issue 1: The Stories We Carry!
In Issue 1: The Stories We Carry, Indigenous youth across Mother Earth were asked to share their perspectives on what The Stories We Carry means to them in relation to climate change, social justice, and cultural practices through a variety of artistic mediums, including visual art, poetry, and more!
For more information on the artists, and where to find their work, please visit our Youth Leaders Hub Trello Board!
Our Youth Leaders Zine was piloted for folks who identify as an Indigenous youth between the ages of 15-35, and receive a $100 honorarium for their selected artwork. Physical copies are limited to artists featured in the zine due to limited quantities.
Want to be featured in our next Youth Leaders Zine issue?
Call for submissions for Issue 2 are now live!
Theme: Land Sovereignty (Land, Air, Fire, Water)
YOUTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT
ICA is committed to supporting, empowering, and amplifying the voices of Indigenous youth. In December of 2020, ICA released a “Youth Needs Assessment” identifying the motivations and challenges faced by Indigenous youth engaged in climate and Indigenous rights advocacy work. The assessment is directing the future of our Youth Program to make it relevant to the needs, experiences, and aspirations of Indigenous youth.
ICA heard from youth across Turtle Island - including 82 online survey participants and 4 focus group participants. We would like to thank the youth for sharing their stories and wisdom - we are inspired by their powerful leadership, enthusiasm, and resiliency.
Find a summary of the Youth Needs Assessment here
Read the full Youth Needs Assessment Report here
Indigenous Youth Wellness Honorarium
Indigenous Climate Action (ICA) is excited to relaunch our Indigenous Youth Wellness Honorarium! These honorariums are intended for Indigenous Youth engaged in frontline activism and/or climate justice organizing. At ICA we know that financial and mental health barriers often impact Indigenous Peoples when engaging in climate justice work. By creating this fund we hope to remove some of those barriers that come up when upholding our sacred responsibilities. If you would like to apply please read the eligibility criteria below and fill out This Application.
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Purpose: ICA is committed to lifting up young Indigenous Peoples who are doing the hard work of climate justice organizing and engaging with frontlines that oppose extractive industries in order to protect our homelands / Mother Earth. At the same time we recognize the toll this often takes on our bodies and spirits as Indigenous peoples, while we continue to face a variety of systemic barriers. This honorarium is intended to help relieve some of the financial stress that can often be a barrier to seeking help in maintaining a healthy balance when doing organizing work. This program is designed to be as accessible as possible, and there are many ways this grant can be utilized. Here are some examples;
• If you live in the city, you could use it to pay for gas or a ride share to get out on the land
• Help to pay for a counseling session
• Provide an honorarium to an elder for their teachings
• Pay for an art or yoga class or exercise training session
Eligibility:
• Must be an Indigenous Youth (aged 18-28)
• Must have engaged in frontline activism and/or climate justice organizing
• Must provide a community reference to confirm involvement in frontline activism and/or climate justice organizing
• May only receive 1 award during the course of the project
• This fund is limited to self-identifying Indigenous youth living in so-called Canada.
Indigenous Youth Solidarity Support Fund
Indigenous Climate Action is pleased to offer the Youth Solidarity Support Fund to Indigenous youth engaged in community organizing and supporting strategic campaigns around climate justice activism; reinforcing their place as leaders driving climate change solutions. Awarded funds support cultural knowledge, healing justice, networking and collaborative projects, online events and opportunities, and skill or training opportunities. The Youth Solidarity Fund is a critical component of our approach to amplifying Indigenous youth’s needs, experiences and aspirations. If you or someone you know would benefit from the support of ICA please apply Here.
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Purpose: This fund is to help support Indigenous Youth with projects, actions, and interests surrounding climate justice work. With the understanding that youth who actively participate and develop opportunities for and with other like-minded climate activists, this work can come with financial barriers. ICA hopes to assist youth so they can focus their energy more on their goal over the cost. This fund is designed to be as accessible as possible, and there are many ways this grant can be utilized. Here are some examples;
To help fund travel, accommodations, and/or supplies when attending a camp, event, or conference
To assist in paying for supplies when organizing a camp, event, or rally
To support Indigenous youth entrepreneurs with projects geared towards sustainable and environmentally conscious projects
Paying for training and education around research and development in green energy, environmental awareness, and pathways that support climate justice
Eligibility:
Indigenous Youth (18-28)
Living in so-called Canada
Application Process:
Indigenous Climate Action may reach out for a follow-up statement; what you used the money for, how it was dispersed, and the intended or final outcomes of the project
May only receive 1 (one) award per year
Youth Leadership Council
The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) supports the development of resources, tools, and opportunities for Indigenous youth in so-called Canada. The council includes youth representatives from the 5 environmental regions of what is colonially known as Canada and representation from outside of “Canada” that have been advocating for climate justice here on Turtle Island!
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Jordan Armstrong
Prairies
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Dawn Martin
Central
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Avery Velez
East Coast
Youth Artivist Workshop Series
Part One: Building Narratives
This 2-hour artivism session that looks at how stories - traditional, modern, living, or imagined - can play a role in shaping the world and transforming how we understand activism. By sharing examples of creative indigenous activism from around the world, we will focus on themes of healing, cultural justice, climate justice and cultural justice to explore how words - through poetry, song, storytelling, and other forms - can become and powerful tools to challenge power, inspire others to action.offer inspiring visions of the future and offer new ways of looking at - and speaking about - the world.
Part Two: Creating Visual Tactics
This 2-hour artivism training explores the role visual communication can play in changing how we understand - and seek to change - the world around us. Building off the stories and concepts harvested in the previous session - and digging into key themes of just transition, divestment, Indigenous rights and false solutions - explore different mediums, tools and artforms that can change how our audiences understand these concepts and the role of indigenous youth in creating change.
If you have any further questions, please reach out to our Youth Engagement Coordinator, Angel Brant at angel@indigenousclimateaction.com