Pathways Project: Updates from the Journey

Over the last six months, Pathways has seen partnerships blossom into groundbreaking programs and resources. But what truly inspires us is seeing Indigenous youth step into leadership roles and evolve into community mentors. Some are even leading the very programs that once shaped their own journeys.

Take a look!

Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles at Stoney Nakoda Job Resource Centre

The Stoney Nakoda Job Resource Centre (SNJRC) has been a long-time partner of FESA and the Pathways project, working together to deliver Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles (IWLC) at the Centre. The IWLC program empowers Indigenous youth as they prepare for job placements, explore trades, or pursue secondary education.

Pathways facilitators Shawna Linklater, Judy Everson, and Sade Auger have been instrumental in delivering the IWLC while mentoring three young community members and former IWLC participants to take on facilitation roles. These three emerging leaders from the SNJRC team have gradually taken on more responsibility, leading various aspects of the program and its activities. Two also attended IWLC Facilitator Training at the FESA office to further enhance their skills.

The Pathways team and their three new co-facilitators recently launched a pilot summer IWLC program. They worked on building the skills and confidence of 46 high school

students, all while making it a fun experience to prepare them for their upcoming summer jobs.

Other highlights from the IWLC program:

• Culture Week is always a program highlight and includes activities like beading, creating ribbon skirts and drum making.

• Guest visits from employers in the area and the current Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess, who is also a community member.

• An ongoing alumni network that provides peer support and opportunities for youth to become mentors themselves in the future.

Me-yaw-sin Micowin, a culinary program for Métis youth

The Me-yaw-sin Micowin program has started, welcoming an excited group of Métis youth ready to explore the culinary arts. This four- to eight-week program offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Métis cooking, cultural education, mentorship, and essential workplace and life skills training. After completing the initial program, participants can continue their journey with an additional four weeks of work experience and secondary education placements.

This opportunity resulted from a cross-provincial collaboration between the Manitoba Métis Federation, Bistro on Notre Dame, RRC Polytech, and FESA and has been highlighted by CTV News and other media outlets.

We also travelled to Winnipeg in April for an Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles Facilitator Training. This training gave participants the tools and resources to run their own IWLC programs and offered a valuable opportunity to connect with our partners from Me-yaw-sin Micowin, who joined us for the training.

A few highlights from the training:

• A Métis Heritage workshop led by guest speaker Season from the Louis Riel Institute.

• The Métis Sash Activity was a huge hit! The group was broken into two teams and given 8 minutes to come up with as many uses as possible for the Sash. It was a close competition, and both groups did great, coming up with 19 and 21 uses.

• One of the participants from RRC Polytech, a partner in Me-yaw-sin Micowin, invited us to tour the downtown campus and the student support center she runs.

Introduction to First Nations Governance for Indigenous Youth – Saugeen First Nation

Over 14 youth, 9 community leaders, including 3 Elders, participated in the 3-day pilot program 'Introduction to First Nations Governance for Indigenous Youth' in Saugeen.

This program was developed with Ningwakwe George, Chair of the National Advisory Circle for Pathways, Saugeen First Nation, and the Coady Institute. It emphasizes a community-based approach where everyone’s story is valued, and collective wisdom is paramount. Over the three days, the group explored the foundations of governance, leadership, and mentorship through the lens of Indigenous traditions and teachings.

Each day of the program built upon the previous one while allowing space for impromptu community visits and Elder stories. The Chief attended the program on the first day, joining the youth in the circle to share stories of encouragement and insights into being an elected leader under the Indian Act. He discussed the types of issues the council faces, the economic opportunities available, and the challenges of dealing with bureaucracy.

Day two focused on developing communication skills, with activities designed to practice active listening. The youth also created community maps, including what was important to them, to prepare for a walk the following day.

On day three, participants explored the townsite, highlighting key resources and assets within their community. Afterward, they broke into smaller groups to discuss the opportunities they envisioned for their community.

Some highlights and impact from the 3-day program:

“The quietest participants did the most detailed maps including things like their friends’ homes. They spoke about their map passionately.”

“Space was made, and community members felt comfortable to come and share” – Karri-Lynn, Coady Institute

“The thing that happened this time that nobody really knew about was Chief Conrad coming in and he spoke for a really long time, he was very informative.  He was very, like you guys are the next generation, you have to take steps, or we can stay the same, but you guys have the power.  You guys are doing it right now.  He's very encouraging.  Even looking around you could see some of the youth really thinking about it… I could be changed, I could make change. This is something that I could be involved in. It was super uplifting.”  - Leigha, co-facilitator and youth from Saugeen First Nation

"We always talk about and think 7 generations ahead, right?  We just got to see three generations connect and feel each other's excitement at this change available to us.   You have to be there.  It's unexplainable that feeling that I got."

I'm way more confident in myself.  I'm confident in my well, I'm not going to say perfectly confident in my public speaking, but I'm able to voice my opinion more clearly and more coherently.  And as for the community, I feel like this program is really opening a lot of the Youths minds to knowing there is opportunities out there.  You’ve just gotta go and grab them and take advantage of them.  And I see that a lot more happening lately because there's been such a crisis the last decade with kids struggling with schooling, kids struggling with their home life.  There are so many things that they're facing, and if we can give them a spark of hope that there's more to life than the struggles that you're facing.  There are opportunities out there.  It’s just we’ve got to give you access to them or let you know that they are out there. - Anthony, co-facilitator and youth from Saugeen First Nation

Anthony and Leigha, two youth who played key roles in planning and recruiting participants for the pilot program, will continue their involvement with the Pathways Project. They will serve as youth advisors to the band and mentors to their peers. Leigha is also a member, and Anthony an honorary member, of the Pathways National Advisory Circle.

We’ll be back with more updates from Pathways and posts that take a deeper look at some of the programs that have been created as well as the journeys taken to get there. See you soon!

Pathways brings together Elders, Indigenous youth and their communities, mentors, bridging organizations (those that provide job resource and skills training support) and employers to create new pathways to meaningful work and employment in the Tourism and Government sectors. You can read more about the Pathways Project by exploring our blog and or on the website here: https://www.furthered.ca/pathways

The Pathways Project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program.