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
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?
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Gain meaningful volunteer service hours and work experience
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Build leadership, teamwork, and public speaking skills
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Strengthen connections to culture and community
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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:
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Fill out our short interest form, and a Cohort Leader will follow up with you, or
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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:
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A short written note with your name, contact information, and what drew you to the program
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A video or audio message sharing a bit about yourself
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Examples of community, cultural, or creative work you’ve been part of
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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.
Program Coordinator
Type: Full-Time Contract
Duration: April 2026 – March 2027
Compensation: $30/hr | 35 hrs/week
Location: Hybrid (mix of remote and in-office work), with flexible hours
About the Role
The Program Coordinator is responsible for organizing the day-to-day logistics that keep the Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership Program running smoothly. You’ll help schedule workshops and events, support youth and facilitators, and track activities and data. This role is for someone who’s highly organized, collaborative, and passionate about supporting youth and community.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate scheduling and logistics for workshops, events, camps, and meetings
- Support youth recruitment through community outreach and partnerships
- Book facilitators, spaces, catering, and supplies
- Maintain records of participant data, hours, and feedback
- Assist with report writing, data collection, and evaluations
- Keep the team connected by tracking decisions and sharing updates
What You Bring
- Experience coordinating programs, events, or projects (paid or volunteer)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Experience supporting or working with Indigenous youth or communities
- Familiarity with trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, or decolonial practices
- Ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively
- Comfort using basic digital tools for scheduling, file sharing, and record keeping
Cohort Leader
(1 role available)
Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership Program
Type: Part-Time Contract
Duration: April 2026 – March 2027
Compensation: $28/hr | 20 hrs/week
Location: Mostly remote, with some in-person meetings and events in Vancouver
About the Role
Cohort Leaders walk alongside youth participants as facilitators, mentors, and cultural supporters. You will lead two youth cohorts each year and help create safe and inclusive spaces for learning, growth, and collective action. This is a people-focused role for someone who values relationship-building and holds lived or learned experience in navigating Indigenous youth realities.
Key Responsibilities
- Facilitate weekly cohort meetings and workshops
- Guide youth in planning community-based projects
- Provide one-on-one and group support to participants
- Coordinate with facilitators, Elders, and community guests
- Lead outreach and recruitment for new cohort intakes
- Participate in cultural and civic events with youth as needed
What You Bring
- Experience supporting or mentoring youth, especially Indigenous youth
- Ability to lead group conversations and create safe learning spaces
- Familiarity with Indigenous traditions, teachings, and protocols (or openness to learning)
- Strong communication, time management, and team collaboration skills
- Ability to work independently and remotely while staying connected
How to Apply
We honour non-traditional learning and leadership pathways and know that not everyone uses resumes, and that’s okay. If you don’t have a resume, we invite you to tell us about yourself in whatever way feels right to you. This might include:
- A short written introduction with your name, contact info, and a bit about your experience
- A video or audio message sharing your story and what draws you to this work
- A sample of past community, cultural, or creative work
- References from people who know your strengths
Please send your expression of interest to admin@alivesociety.ca by March 17, 2026.
These positions include a mix of remote and in-office work. Our shared office space is located in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.
We appreciate every submission only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in supporting Indigenous youth leadership and community transformation.
