Indigenous youth are proportionally the largest and fastest growing population in Ontario. Many are embarking on journeys to deepen connections to their communities and cultural traditions. At the same time, there is growing interest from organizations, funders, and other supporters to participate in reconciliation and learn how to better support Indigenous youth on their journey. The Ontario Indigenous Youth Partnership Project (OIYPP) is a unique program where young Indigenous voices guide and shape the partnership. This approach allows OIYPP to better meet the needs of Indigenous youth who directly influence its direction.
OIYPP enables Indigenous youth to explore and execute ideas through small grants of up to $5,000. Youth can also receive one-on-one support, take on leadership roles with the program as Youth Advisors, participate in skills training, and expand their networks by connecting with other youth, partners, and supporters.
OIYPP’s goal is to create a network of empowered and celebrated Indigenous youth alongside a community of individuals, organizations, and supporters that work toward shared desires for a healthy environment, social inclusivity, and strong cultural connections. Our values are ever evolving and come from a place of discussion and unity. Every year, our Advisory Committee, made up of Youth Advisors and a core team from The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada and Tides Canada, meet in-person for a day of visualization and relationship building. This process molds OIYPP activities and represents just one way we action our shared values.
Youth Advisors are at the core of what makes OIYPP work. They are distinguished Indigenous youth who bring their own strengths to OIYPP including their personal and professional experience. They provide insight into both the overall strategy and approach of the program and offer OIYPP direct connections to the Indigenous youth community. Through OIYPP, Advisors are supported in further building their skills and networks to influence the world of philanthropy.
OIYPP supporters include charitable organizations and donors who want to support and empower the creativity of Indigenous youth. Together, and as equal partners with Youth Advisors and the OIYPP core team, the grantmaking process is highly reflective, values-based, and inclusive. The goal is to ensure that a youth perspective is central to decision-making, and that no applicants get left behind. This means that when financial support cannot be offered, other in-kind supports are offered to add capacity to the project. From an after-school empowerment project for girls to cultural programming that incorporates wild rice teachings, the diversity of projects led by youth is inspiring and demonstrates how youth are using their connections and experience to effect change for their communities.
Overall, OIYPP focuses on reciprocal learning. Funders and supporters learn from young people about Indigenous youth priorities and youth learn about the philanthropic and charitable sectors and are empowered to lead. Ultimately, all partners build deeper relationships that push the dialogue and the way we take action towards meaningful partnerships and reconciliation.
Learn more about our OIYPP values and how we work
Written by the OIYPP Core Team, including staff from The Circle and Tides Canada
