"Six Nations Polytechnic gets $900,000 grant"

Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) is receiving a Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) Grant in the amount of $900,000 over 48 months to systematize opportunities for Indigenous education and learning for First Nations youth.

By launching youth ambassador models, SNP will foster cultural resilience, cultural identity and self­ confidence for First Nations youth aged 13-24.

Funding will be used for staffing, curriculum development and delivery as well as ambassador training and mobilization, says a press release.

"As a First Nations owned post-secondary institution one of our top priorities is to ensure the well-being and success of our young people," said Six Nations Polytechnic President, Rebecca Jamieson. "This funding will allow us to create opportunities that are missing for many First Nations youth across Ontario by connecting them to a truly collaborative, respectful initiative that addresses the diversity of their cultures and languages."

"SNP's approach to this project will place considerable emphasis on Indigenous identity construction by encompassing spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical well-being of the youth," said Jamieson. "SNP is the ideal organization to carry out this work due to our unique perspective as an Indigenous post-secondary institution which allows us to respect Indigenous cultures while recognizing and supporting personal strengths and gifts that build self-confidence in youth."

Project Youth ambassadors will also be involved in the coming tri-annual World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education being hosted by SNP. The forum will include a culturally diverse youth forum that encourages youth to engage, participate, and lead issues of significance, as defined by youth.

The project will address youth issues including "improved well-being for First Nations youth and, by extension, improved well­-being in First Nations communities," the release says.

The press release says the project will also build on culture and language.

It will also redress the legacy of residential schools and directly support some of the recommendations of the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. SNP is partnering with other training institutes including the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI); Kenjgewin Teg Education Institute (KETI); and the Ininew Friendship Centre.

The organizers hope the project will increase "Indigenous youth awareness and knowledge of the interconnectedness of culture, wellness and well-being; increase opportunity for local post-secondary education, trades training and skill development; and increase Indigenous youth opportunities for education, skills and attitude to enter and remain in the labour market."