This fall, EleV Program Partner Indigenous Youth Roots (IYR) launched a critical report that shares the perspectives, priorities, challenges, and aspirations of more than 1,100 Indigenous youth.
Through the themes of culture, wellness, education, meaningful work, and reconciliation, the report emphasizes a central message: Indigenous youth envision a future grounded in their cultures, community, and collective empowerment.
Key Findings
Culture as Strength: 67% of participants identified cultural learning and teachings as vital to personal empowerment.
Reconciliation as Action: 85% emphasized that reconciliation is essential for healing and equity, highlighting the need for systemic reforms and tangible action.
Education Beyond Degrees: Indigenous youth advocated for recognizing lived experiences and traditional knowledge as valid forms of education.
Why It Matters
This report offers a roadmap for policymakers, organizations, and communities to better support Indigenous youth. It highlights the importance of building capacity, addressing barriers, and fostering spaces for youth to lead in creating prosperous and sustainable futures for all.
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About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation is a Canadian Foundation and one of the world's largest foundations, with a mission to advance education and financial inclusion. It works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is an independent organization and separate from the company. Its policies, operations and programs are determined by the Foundation's Board of Directors and leadership. For more information please visit mastercardfdn.org.
