Millbrook applicant Jillisa Nickerson and her gang.

Millbrook – The Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation (UICF) and RBC Foundation announced funding of up to $15,000 to youth applicants in eight Indigenous communities across Atlantic Canada. Official announcements will be made during grant ceremonies to be held in communities where funding support will be provided.

As a part of the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge, grants 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. Thirteen applications were received through UICF, the majority of which were from Nova Scotia.

Below is a list of communities where youth-led projects are being supported:

  • Eskasoni, NS
  • Millbrook, NS
  • Stephenville, NL
  • Paqtnkek, NS
  • Potlotek, NS
  • Membertou, NS
  • We’koqma’q, NS
  • Annapolis Valley First Nation, NS

Chris Googoo, Executive Director for UICF states, “We were very encouraged with the youth engagement demonstrated by the number of applications received and the quality of the projects proposed. Indigenous youth have shown keen insight into community challenges with proposals that offer land based healing initiatives, empowerment of women and youth, and tackling food insecurity and inequality. We are excited for the outcomes for the youth and their communities.”

Bree Menge was a successful applicant with a project titled “Our Eskasoni Cares”, the focus of which addresses barriers resulting from a lack of resources for personal care items. Ms. Menge explains, “Poverty often requires those affected to make choices between food or other life necessities, making personal care products more of a luxury. This should not be the case, and our project works to address the poverty impact by providing items to those in need, showing them they are valued and that the youth in our community really do care.”

Andrew Chunilall, CEO of Community Foundations of Canada adds, “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”.

The grant ceremonies will commence in Millbrook in late November. A full list of ceremonies will be available soon on Facebook and Twitter (@ulnoooweg) and will provide opportunities to hear about the projects from the youth representatives involved, and include representation from UICF, RBC and local political leadership. A networking reception with light refreshments will follow the announcement.

“RBC is committed to the power, vision and potential of youth, and the important role they play in their communities,” says Chris Ronald, Regional President Atlantic Provinces, RBC.

“We are thrilled to see the results of this important partnership with the CFC helping make a difference in communities across Canada.”