Into the City: Supporting Indigenous Youth

We all have moments that change the trajectory of our lives. For me, one of the most significant was an opportunity to stay in a hotel in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan at the age of 11 for a hockey tournament. That weekend allowed me to have an experience outside of my northern reserve and planted a seed that there could be something for me outside of my isolated community. That idea kept me going through the anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts that I experienced during my teens and early twenties as I waited for an opportunity to present itself.

In 2021, as the founder of The Ballantyne Project, I was asked what I thought we should focus on that could have a significant impact on youth living in remote First Nations. I immediately knew that I would like to create a chance for Indigenous youth to have a life experience outside of their community, to expand their belief about life’s possibilities. So we began conversations with Leaders that we had built a relationship with from a fly-in community called Fort Chipewyan, Alberta and a plan came together to bring 9 youth, ages 15 - 24, and 4 chaperones to Vancouver, BC for 5 days in May 2022.

When they first arrived, the youth were quiet and hesitant, but as the days progressed and they became more confident in their surroundings their personalities began to emerge. It was fun to watch their expressions as they tried eating chicken feet in an authentic Chinese restaurant in ChinaTown, or clung to the straps hanging from the roof of a crowded city bus as it jerked forward in heavy traffic toward the Vancouver Aquarium. The unexpected highlight of the trip was a day spent at Capilano University as they were given a tour of the campus, student dorms and the Indigenous Film program. When that day was over some of the youth were contacting their families back home to say that they were excited about the possibility of continuing their education.

The final activity planned was an evening playing laser tag. By this time everyone was open to trying new things and interacting with complete strangers as they formed teams and the laughter could be heard throughout the building. One of the youth decided to attempt a rock climbing wall and soon everyone joined in, challenging each other to reach the top.

As the shuttle bus pulled away on the fifth day and they began their journey home, my hope was that this trip had provided everyone at least one moment that could potentially inspire them and memories that they could draw on if life gets difficult. Since May, we know that the youth have been asking for more homework so they can complete their courses for graduation and are still sharing stories from the trip with each other and their families.

This trip has brought back the feelings I had as a youth growing up in a northern First Nation and has made me even more determined to continue to use my voice to bridge the gap between youth living in remote Indigenous communities and the rest of our society. I am looking forward to following the journey of the 9 youth who came to Vancouver in May and spending time with more youth through future #WeSeeYou Trips.