Before Christmas we got a shot of inspiration for our work supporting NWT communities to embed literacy and essential skills in community youth projects.
Along with several other northerners, we attended the annual Conference Board of Canada Skills and Post-Secondary Education Summit in Toronto.
We were delighted to hear about practical ways that youth improve their skills through projects and programs across the country. Two specific initiatives really stood out for their relevance to the work we do. We learned about the Choices for Youth program in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, which provides employment, education and housing. Youth in the program build the hydroponic garden kits designed by Enactus Club world champions — students from Memorial University who designed the kits to lessen food insecurity in Canada’s North. Enactus is a non-profit that promotes youth social enterprises.
The panel discussion on Improving Opportunities and Outcomes for Indigenous Learners, provided ideas to help support Indigenous students be successful post-secondary learners. Of particular interest was Jennifer St. Germain, with the Métis Nation of Ontario. She provided many examples of youth programming that the Métis Nation offers. It was interesting to hear about programs such as the Summer Youth Cultural Program, which is similar to Tłı̨chǫ Imbe. We saw how these culturally relevant programs support youth to get a post-secondary education.
An interesting theme over the two days was the notion of helping youth realize that post-secondary education is accessible and attainable, which could then inspire them to complete high school, and increase their essential skills. Also inspiring was the idea of role-modelling success stories in education for Indigenous youth.
There was much to think about for our work this coming year.
-- Kathryn Barry Paddock and Katie Johnson
