Indigenous Perspectives Society: Centre of Excellence in Community Education (IPS) presented a new free online leadership workshop series especially for Indigenous youth in and from care, over Summer 2022. At IPS, we believe that much of the cultural resurgence and reconciliation work in the coming years will happen through the cultivated leadership of our youth. Indigenous youth in and from care share unique experiences and have very valuable perspectives to share. This series provided a chance for youth to learn alongside and support each other in a safe space. To learn more read IPS Youth Voices: Impowering Indigenous Youth. 

The series brought Indigenous Youth, between the ages 14 to 28, together for three amazing workshops plus voluntary peer mentorship to gain:

  • Connection with other Indigenous youth and IPS youth circle members 
  • Community leadership skills
  • Resume building and professional development skills

Once the three workshops were completed, participants received:

  • A Certificate of Community Leadership
  • $50 Honorarium

K L C
IPS Youth Team Members: Kaia Hill, Lizz Brooks and Christina Gosselin

Workshop Summaries 

Conflict Transformation 

This seminar examines types of conflict and provides insight into how we can approach and navigate conflict in a culturally congruent manner. Through a lens of self-awareness and curiosity, participants will be offered practical tools and strategies to address conflict in different ways that can transform relationships and expectations.  

“The facilitators did a great job. They were great at facilitating and it felt like a safe place to share and listen.” 

-Participant  

Understanding and Healing Lateral Violence 

In this course we explore the origins of lateral violence in Indigenous communities and how it is perpetuated in our personal and professional lives. We explore lateral kindness as an antidote and how we can incorporate it into our lives. We look at frameworks by which to foster empathy and healthy communication. Throughout, we review tools and exercises that participants can incorporate into their workplaces, family settings, and adapt as their own. 

“I didn’t want this training to end, Thank you!!” 

-Participant  

All My Relations: Supporting Two Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ* Youth 

This training discusses the resilience of our Two Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ* youth and ways their community can support. Topics include intergenerational effects of colonization, the unique two spirit identity, finding place in Indigenous, Western, and LGBTQ* communities, reflection on collective and individual unconscious biases, and available supports and services. This unique training incorporates learning activities as well as an interactive panel discussion with youth, community leaders, and Two Spirit Elders.  

“This was the best all-day workshop I’ve ever attended! Caring and so full of information!” 

-Participant

For more program details, please contact: Kelly Legge: kelly.legge@ipsociety.ca

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This free workshop series was made possible through a grant from the Vancouver Foundation.

Vancouver Foundation is dedicated to creating healthy, vibrant and livable communities across BC. Since 1943, our donors have created 1,800 endowment funds and together we have distributed more than $1 billion to charities. From arts and culture to the environment, health and social development, education, medical research and more, we exist to make meaningful and lasting improvements to communities in BC.