South Saskatchewan Community Foundation and RBC Foundation are providing a grant of $15,000 to support Prairie Valley School Division with a project to engage Indigenous knowledge keepers in hands-on, land-based learning experiences. This project, based in Indian Head, will culminate in a “Week of Walking Together” in May with overarching themes of mental health and lacrosse (The Creator’s Game) as ways to get people together to have fun, learn and build relationships and trust. Project coordinator, Robin Sveinbjornson of the Prairie Valley School Division says ‘The Culture Club’ is planning an intensive week of learning in the community in May.
“The students believe through their work, they can create space for Indigenous ways of knowing and being in our schools,” says Sveinbjornson. “Many people in our community haven’t had the opportunity to learn about Indigenous ceremonies and the interconnectedness of all of creation.
Our community, like many others, faces high rates of mental illness, resulting in substance abuse, violence, and suicide. Something is missing, and a holistic approach to learning and living fills that void. These students recognize the importance and value of Indigenous worldview for all people, discovering their gift and purpose.”
Sveinbjornson adds the students believe through shared experiences, the deep-seated racism towards, and stereotypes of Indigenous people will unravel.
“We wish for a community and country where diversity is the norm, and all human beings are valued,” says Sveinbjornson. “We hope to collaborate with many partners including Elders and Knowledge Keepers at neighbouring Cega Kin (Carry the Kettle First Nation). This is Treaty Four territory and this land holds memories of which the students are passionate in awakening and sharing with their teachers, peers, and community.”
The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge is hosted by Community Foundations of Canada and participating community foundations. It is made possible thanks to a $5M donation from RBC Foundation, a commitment by RBC and the RBC Foundation to empower Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow. Over the next 10 years, RBC Future Launch is dedicating $500 million to help young people access meaningful employment through practical work experience, skills development opportunities, networking solutions and mental well-being supports and services.
Grants like this one are being made to youth-led projects in 150 small and medium sized communities across Canada. The goal of the program is to shift the power to young leaders making positive social or environmental change in their communities, while gaining valuable skills and experience.
“RBC is committed to the power, vision and potential of youth, and the important role they play in their communities,” says Gaynette Downing, RBC Branch Manager, Indian Head. “We are thrilled to see the results of this important partnership with the CFC helping make a difference right here in Indian Head and in communities across Canada.” The South Saskatchewan Community Foundation serves as a bridge between donors and charities in Regina and in southern Saskatchewan.
“We believe in facilitating Saskatchewan philanthropy, supporting local charities, and developing our community so that our home is a more vital, strong, and fair place to live, work, and play,” says Donna Ziegler, Executive Director, SSCF. “Participating in the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge builds on SSCF’s long-time support to local youth and youth leadership.”
“Young people are not future leaders – they are leading social and environmental change right now. We are honoured to play a role in the bold change that youth are leading across the country through this national initiative with RBC,” says Andrew Chunilall, CEO of Community Foundations of Canada.