What is EAYGL?

Empowering Aboriginal Youth in Governance and Leadership (EAYGL) is a youth led leadership capacity building initiative of the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute Inc.

Bringing together Aboriginal youth leaders from across Canada, EAYGL engages young people to work towards positive change in their communities through meaningful skill development and the identification of common issues, challenges, opportunities and values.

EAYGL members actively work to find solutions to the many societal issues identified by Aboriginal youth themselves. These include:

• Improving high school completions rate for Aboriginal students
• Creating more employment opportunities for Aboriginal youth
• Providing positive activities for young people in Aboriginal communities
• Providing meaningful cultural awareness and contemporary learning opportunities for Indigenous youth

Who are our members?

Indigenous youth leaders in EAYGL are between the ages of 15 - 35 yrs., are active in a leadership capacity in their community and/or are seen as role models in the Indigenous community.

There are currently 23 Indigenous members of EAYGL from across Canada. EAYGL members are committed to leadership development by building upon their leadership skills with the ultimate goal of providing mentorship in the Indigenous community.

How do I get involved?

For more information, to make a donation, or to become a member, please contact:

Melanie Dean
Youth Projects Coordinator
The Indigenous Leadership Development Institute Inc. and EAYGL
P. 204.940.1706
Email: melaniedean@ildii.ca

Goals

• To recruit youth leaders (ages 15 - 35) from across Canada to build their leadership capacity and demonstrate mentoring, role modeling and leadership to young people (our future leaders) across Canada.
• To increase educational and cultural opportunities for Aboriginal youth that will encourage more understanding of the issues related to leadership, good governance and career opportunities.
• To create a pool of Aboriginal youth leaders and develop a mentorship program that builds leadership capacity in Aboriginal communities.

Program Offerings

EAYGL believes that young people, our future leaders and decision makers must be well educated in traditional community practices and contemporary leadership skills, including all aspects of capacity building that can be passed on from our Elders, our communities and modern professionals. Training offerings include:

• Executive Facilitator Training Sessions
• Personal Growth & Development Workshops
• Youth Led Fundraising Initiatives
• Youth Organized Special Events
• Youth Led Workshops
• Community Outreach & Leadership Development Activities
• Observer participation at United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

EAYGL In Action

Youth & Elders Leadership and Governance Group
The Indigenous Leadership Development Institute Inc. and EAYGL conducted a workshop with 15 respected Elders and youth from eight Manitoba First Nation communities. Exploring governance issues and youth leadership development, the event brought youth and Elders together to identify a common vision for shared leadership and governance roles in their communities. Based on their recommendations, the creation of a youth council model has been developed. The Youth and Elders group meet regularly engaging in dialogue with a focus on youth leadership development in communities.

Book of Voices: Voices of Aboriginal Adoptees and Foster Children
In recognition of the experiences of Aboriginal Adoptees and foster children, EAYGL youth teamed up with Stolen Generations Inc. in December 2007 to draw awareness of the issue and raise funds for positive youth development. Special guest speakers shared their stories at a sold out youth led luncheon, raising over $3,000 for EAYGL youth programs.

Challenge Day
Working with inner city students to tear down the walls of separation, racial barriers, oppression and all forms of violence, the EAYGL youth members engaged 300 Gordon Bell and R.B. Russell High School students in a powerful 3 day workshop that brought forth natural leadership and empowered youth to become part of the solution for change.

There are currently 23 Indigenous members of EAYGL from different areas of Canada. EAYGL members are representatives of their Indigenous community, these communities are:

Manitoba
Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan)
Minnedosa (Metis)
Brandon
Peguis First Nation
Long Plains First Nation
Sandy Bay First Nation
Sagkeeng First Nation
Wabowden
Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation
Pinaymootang First Nation (Fairford)
Brokenhead First Nation
Opaskwayak Cree Nation

Nunavut
Rankin Inlet

British Columbia
Oliver

Ontario
Sandy Lake
Whitefish Bay
Kenora