Indigenous Youth Leading Change: Cuso International Launches the Indigenous Canada Program
News
Location: Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon
Date: December 19, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario — Cuso International (Cuso) proudly announces the launch of its Indigenous Canada Program, a youth-centered initiative designed to empower Indigenous youth as leaders and knowledge-sharers. Through locally-driven projects focused on reconciliation, cultural preservation, celebration, and sustainable development, Indigenous youth create meaningful learning opportunities that inspire their peers and strengthen their communities. Built on years of collaborative research, outreach, and relationship-building, the program supports youth-driven action through innovative partnerships and community engagement.
A Shared Vision: Indigenous-Led and Community-Driven
The Indigenous Canada Program reflects Indigenous values, guided by community voices and supported by Cuso as a facilitating partner. With a commitment to honoring Indigenous knowledge and promoting self-determination, the program offers resources that uplift community-driven solutions while fostering meaningful partnerships.
“I have witnessed firsthand the significant impact of Cuso’s micro-grants for Indigenous youth in our community. These grants have fostered a sense of ownership and empowerment among our young leaders,” shared an Indigenous Youth Worker from the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre.
Core Program Components
- Northern Indigenous Program (2024-2027): Supporting youth-led initiatives through micro-grants, community dialogues, and cultural exchange activities like storytelling, hunting, and land-based education.
- FLINT Project (Fostering Local Indigenous Knowledge, 2024-2026): Promoting sustainable development through youth-led projects, Virtual Storytelling Nights, intergenerational learning, and public awareness campaigns.
- GLINT Project (Growing Youth Leadership in Indigenous Northern Territories): Enabling youth-driven environmental, cultural, and economic resilience projects through grants and leadership development.
- Northern Distance Learning: Building educational opportunities through cultural exchanges and volunteer engagement, strengthening educational partnerships in the Northwest Territories since 2016.
Promoting Sustainable Impact
Cuso will establish an Indigenous Advisory Circle to provide cultural guidance and ensure that Indigenous values inform decision-making processes within the organization.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information and to apply, visit https://cusointernational.org/indigenous-canada-program/.
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Media Contact:
Eduardo Diazgranados at programs@cusointernational.org
About Cuso International:
Cuso International is a global development organization working to reduce poverty and inequality through sustainable development initiatives. With a history of supporting Indigenous communities worldwide, Cuso remains dedicated to promoting social justice and creating opportunities through volunteer engagement and community partnerships. We are committed to sharing skills to build stronger futures. To find out more, visit cusointernational.org