Strengthening Wellness and Learning for Indigenous Youth 

Across Yukon and Northern British Columbia, many Indigenous youth are seeking ways to reconnect with learning, culture, and community after years of disconnection from school and work. The Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council (YAWC) is responding with the Indigenous Youth Wellness and Learning Initiative, supported by the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada grant. The project offers a holistic, culturally grounded approach to re-engagement through wellness sessions, land-based and cultural activities, and one-on-one mentorship. 

Creating Safe, Culturally Grounded Spaces 

The initiative supports Indigenous youth aged 15 to 30 who are not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET). Many face overlapping barriers such as systemic racism, trauma, poverty, and housing instability, all intensified by a lack of culturally safe learning environments. For youth in remote regions and fly-in-only communities like Old Crow, access to services and education is especially limited. Through culturally relevant workshops, healing circles, and mentorship, YAWC provides the connection and guidance youth need to rebuild confidence, strengthen identity, and prepare for education or work opportunities. 

A Community-Led Approach 

YAWC’s understanding of youth needs comes from ongoing, direct engagement with communities across Yukon and Northern BC. Through healing circles, outreach, and family support, staff hear firsthand about the barriers Indigenous youth face – from disconnection from school to the lack of culturally safe spaces and supports. These real, lived insights shape every aspect of YAWC’s work. 

YAWC’s strength lies in its deep relationships with the 17 First Nations it serves across Yukon and Northern BC. As an Indigenous women-led organization with over 50 years of experience, YAWC works closely with Elders, families, and local partners to design programs rooted in community knowledge and trauma-informed care. Its small but dedicated team provides outreach, healing, and training programs that bridge generations and help youth move forward on their own terms. 

Empowering Northern Youth with Support from the Rideau Hall Foundation 

With support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada initiative, YAWC is expanding its youth programming to reach more communities across the North. Catapult funding allows YAWC to deliver culturally safe learning opportunities, provide wellness supports, and strengthen partnerships that connect youth to education and employment pathways. Beyond funding, Catapult connects YAWC to a national network of organizations committed to equity in learning. 

By investing in initiatives like YAWC’s Indigenous Youth Wellness and Learning Initiative, the Rideau Hall Foundation is helping create spaces where Indigenous youth can heal, learn, and lead.