Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

The Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership Program is a 23-month initiative that supports Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth (ages 14–30) in East Vancouver to grow as leaders, cultural knowledge keepers, and community changemakers. Through a cohort-based model, participants engage in cultural camps, personal development workshops, civic engagement activities, and flexible service placements. The program is rooted in Indigenous values and focuses on reconciliation, community connection, and youth resilience.

 

The Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership Program is funded by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth
aged 12–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community. Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps

Apply to Participate

Now Inviting Youth to Join!

Are you an Indigenous youth (ages 14–30) — or a friend of Indigenous youth — living in the Vancouver area and interested in building leadership skills, connecting with culture, and making a difference in your community?

The Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (UIYLP) is a two-year initiative led by the Aboriginal Life in Vancouver Enhancement Society (ALIVE). Through this program, you’ll join other youth in a supportive cohort, take part in cultural camps, build personal and professional skills, and design your own community project.

What You’ll Experience:

Cultural Camps – canoeing, drum making, harvesting, food preservation, and learning with Elders.

Workshops – hands-on training in event planning, budgeting, public speaking, and more.

Community Engagement – attend meetings with government leaders, contribute to reconciliation, and create your own youth-led projects.

Recognition – take part in a Coast Salish Witnessing Ceremony to honor your contributions.

Your Commitment

Each participant will contribute about 100 hours throughout the program. This includes camp time, workshops, planning meetings, and community project activities.

Why Join?

  • Gain meaningful volunteer service hours and work experience

  • Build leadership, teamwork, and public speaking skills

  • Strengthen connections to culture and community

  • Be part of shaping reconciliation and civic engagement

How to Apply

We’d love to connect with Indigenous youth and ally friends from the Vancouver area who are curious about leadership, culture, and community.

There’s no deadline and no competitive application process. You can choose the path that feels best for you:

  • Fill out our short interest form, and a Cohort Leader will follow up with you, or

  • Reach out directly to our Cohort Leaders to start a conversation and learn more about the program.

We centre relationship-building over evaluation. These conversations are a chance for you to ask questions, share what you’re interested in, and explore together whether the program feels like a good fit.

If you’d like to reach out directly, you’re welcome to introduce yourself in whatever way feels comfortable. This could include:

  • A short written note with your name, contact information, and what drew you to the program

  • A video or audio message sharing a bit about yourself

  • Examples of community, cultural, or creative work you’ve been part of

  • A note from someone who knows your strengths

Connect with our Cohort Leader:
Andrew Gagnon – andrew@alivesociety.ca

And he will follow up to share more about the program, answer your questions, and talk together about next steps.