About
Our Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program is a safe and empowering space where Indigenous youth come together to learn, share, and grow alongside Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Keepers, and mentors from across Turtle Island. Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, this program weaves culture, storytelling, leadership, and career exploration into a nurturing virtual community.
This program is completely free, national in scope, and open to Indigenous youth at all stages of their leadership journey. There is no cost for Indigenous participants to join WIL’s Indigenous Youth Mentorship Group Program. In partnership with WIL and the Emerging Leaders Placement Project, funded in part by the Canada Service Corps, we are proud to offer 24 spaces in the mentorship program to all Indigenous youth ages 14–30.
Program Vision
The program creates a meaningful space for Indigenous youth to reconnect with stories from Indigenous role models and explore pathways into leadership, education, community engagement, and future careers.
Youth experience mentorship that honours community values, land connection, identity, and the strength of Indigenous teachings.
There is no charge for Indigenous youth to participate in WIL's Indigenous Youth Group Mentorship Program. In collaboration with our Emerging Leaders Placement Project funded in part by Canada Service Corps, WIL is proudly offering 24 mentorships to Indigenous youth participants (ages 14-30).
As we walk together through topics that may touch on lived experiences, we honour that emotions and memories may arise. Participants are encouraged to care for themselves in the ways that feel right. A safe space will be created for anyone who needs time, quiet, or support, and our Knowledge Keeper will be there to offer guidance, listening, and grounding practices.
What Makes This Program Unique
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Culturally Grounded Mentorship
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Collective Group Mentorship Circles
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Accessible, Low-Barrier Format
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Representation Across Communities
Who This Program Is For
Indigenous youth (First Nations Status & Non-Status, Métis, Inuit) who are:
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Ages 14–30​
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Interested in leadership, community building, and mentorship
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Looking to connect with Indigenous mentors in a supportive environment
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Located in any region of Canada, including urban, rural, and remote communities
Recruitment includes regional chapters and outreach through Indigenous schools, youth programs, and community partners.
Why Join This Program
Youth who participate will:
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Strengthen confidence
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Learn from Indigenous mentors and role models
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Develop leadership and community-building skills
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Explore education and career pathways
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Build meaningful connections with other Indigenous youth, mentors and role models
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Grow within a supportive mentorship circle
This program celebrates who you are, where you come from, and the future you are building as a leader.
Comment ça marche – Jeunes bénévoles
Each mentorship session follows a consistent, culturally grounded structure:
1
Postuler
1
Postuler
1
Postuler
1
Postuler
Sessions are approximately 90 minutes and held once per month.
Indigenous Group Mentorship – Program Design in Progress
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Our Indigenous Group Mentorship program is being intentionally shaped in collaboration with Indigenous youth. As we gather intake forms, we are listening closely to understand your goals, interests, lived experiences, and what support looks like for you.
The information you share will directly guide the creation of a custom mentorship program that reflects your needs, strengths, and aspirations. Our goal is to build a meaningful, culturally respectful experience that supports your personal, educational, and leadership journey.
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Your voice matters—and this program will be shaped by you.
Session 1:
April 2, 2026
Session 2:
April 30, 2026
Session 3:
May 28, 2026
Session 4:
June 11, 2026
Mentors
The program is facilitated by an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper who guides the cultural integrity of the sessions. Mentors represent a balance of Indigenous peoples from diverse Nations and professions.
Youth Support and Cultural Safety
The program provides:
A welcoming environment with cultural safety at the forefront
A supportive Program Lead and technical team
Mentorship guidance
A national community of peers
Our goal is for every youth to feel supported, validated, and inspired throughout the journey.
Registration
Registration for the 2026 cohort opens soon.
Subscribe to our mailing list for updates and early access.
Reconnaissance du territoire
La Fondation des femmes en leadership reconnaît que son siège social est situé sur le territoire traditionnel, ancestral et non cédé des tmÌ“xÊ·úlaÊ”xÊ· (terres) du peuple Syilx / Okanagan, présent ici depuis des temps immémoriaux. Nous reconnaissons, honorons et respectons le territoire Syilx / Okanagan sur lequel nous vivons, travaillons et évoluons.
La Nation Okanagan est composée de sept communautés membres dans le sud de l’Intérieur de la Colombie-Britannique : la bande indienne d’Okanagan, la bande indienne d’Osoyoos, la bande indienne de Penticton, la bande d’Upper Nicola, les bandes indiennes de Similkameen supérieure et inférieure, ainsi que la Première Nation de Westbank ; et dans le nord de l’État de Washington, les Colville Confederated Tribes.
En langue nsyilxcÉ™n, tmÌ“xÊ·úlaÊ”xÊ· signifie «â€¯la terre » et englobe tout ce qui y vit et interagit. Il s’agit d’un terme global qui exprime l’interconnexion entre la terre et la nature.
La Fondation des femmes en leadership reconnaît également, honore et respecte la présence de tous les peuples autochtones, passés, présents et futurs.
Remerciements pour le financement
Le Programme de placement des leaders émergents est financé par le gouvernement du Canada par l’entremise du programme Service jeunesse Canada.
Nous sommes fiers de soutenir le leadership des jeunes, l’engagement communautaire et le bénévolat partout au Canada grâce à ce financement vital.
#ServiceJournalCanada
#LeadersAujourd'hui