TL;DR
Following the success of CRE’s inaugural year of the Indigenous Youth Policy School (IYPS), the […]
Details
Following the success of CRE’s inaugural year of the Indigenous Youth Policy School (IYPS), the Indigenous Youth Policy Hackathon was created to connect like-minded Indigenous youth passionate about policy change.
Hosted over two weekends the Indigenous Youth Policy Hackathon will connect participants with experts in the field of policy to deconstruct two policy issues that are currently impacting Indigenous communities in Canada. Participants will work collaboratively in a supportive virtual learning environment to increase their policy capacity in critical analysis, innovation, and reconciliation.
Learning from policy experts, and peers with the support from mentors and guidance from CRE staff, participants will be given the tools to create, design, and set the agenda for policy reform. The Hackathon is an opportunity to connect with other like-minded peers, and to meet policy experts and mentors that will support and encourage the ideas of future policymakers, and have fun while doing it.
This year’s themes:
- Theme 1: Responses to COVID-19
- Theme 2: Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP)
Hackathon Rounds
Hosted online over two weekends, the Hackathons schedule is designed to be a nurturing, and encouraging space where work can get done. While also providing enough time off for participants to fully recharge and come to each session excited to engage with the material of the day.
At each of these sessions, participants will be working in teams to develop policy proposals and recommendations based on a case study. Sessions 1-4 will be dedicated to capacity building and skills sharing, accompanied by guided mentorship with experts in the field of policy.
Session 5 will conclude the Round with participants pitching their policy proposals with recommendations to a panel of judges made up of experts from community, academia, government, and the private sector. A detailed agenda will be made available to participants beforehand.
Round 1 Schedule
Weekend 1 – March 19-21 Details
- Friday, March 19th, 2021: 12pm to 4pm (EST)
- Saturday, March 20th, 2021: 12pm to 4pm (EST)
- Sunday, March 21st, 2021: 12pm to 4pm (EST)
Weekend 2 – March 27-28 Details
- Saturday, March, 27th: 12pm to 4pm (EST)
- Sunday, March 28, 2021: 12pm to 4pm (EST)
Round 2 Schedule
Weekend 1 – April 23-25 Details
- Friday, April 23rd, 2021: 12pm to 4pm (EST);
- Saturday, April 24th, 2021: 12pm to 4pm (EST);
- Sunday April 25th, 2021: 12pm to 4pm (EST)
Weekend 2 – May 1-2 Details
- Saturday, May 1st, 2021: 12pm to 4pm (EST)
- Sunday May 2nd, 2021: 12pm to 4pm (EST)
Who we are looking for:
Indigenous Youth Change-Makers
Are you a creative, excited, change-oriented, and policy-curious Indigenous youth between the ages of 18-29?
Are you ready to take on a new challenge to learn new skills to advance their advocacy work? If so this is the place for you!
Participants will be divided into teams that are ready to unpack a Policy Case Study. During this two-weekend intensive, groups will learn from policy experts while being grounded by Indigenous teachings and will receive ongoing support from mentors and the CRE Policy team.
If you think you are ready to rise to the challenge to advance policy in what we now call Canada, then apply today! 1st place will receive $2000 for each team member and 2nd place will receive $1000 (per team member).
Mentors
We anticipate that mentors will be available for 1-2 sessions, depending on your availability. This role will be providing participants with guidance on either subject matter or technical aspects as they relate to their policy pitch.
Mentors are welcome to join the final session to observe and comment on the pitches
(Approximate hours: 5-10)
Judges
If you want to support the growth of Indigenous youth policy leaders through this initiative, but your time is somewhat limited, perhaps being a judge is something that will fit with your schedule.
Judges will be required for the fifth and final session of the Round held on the last Sunday to evaluate and score each Policy Pitch
(Approximate hours: 5)
- Share, Connect, Engage! The Policy Hackathons are fast approaching. We are looking for support sharing this opportunity with Indigenous Youth, community members and leaders, academics, government officials and bureaucrats, and members from the private sector.
Registration form
Contact Information
We are so excited to collaborate with you on this innovative, fun, and important initiative.
For more information, please contact centre@canadianroots.ca
Partnership
Thank you to the NIB Trust Fund for your support!
