Our Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research

Our Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research is excited to launch its fourth call for applications for the Indigenous Youth Policy School (IYPS).

IYPS is a tuition-free program with no academic or professional requirements. Indigenous youth can enter this program at any level of learning and understanding about policy (brand new to policy or with a baseline). Throughout this program, Indigenous youth are given the tools to ensure their priorities are advanced and perspectives are reflected in policies that matter most to them.

To make IYPS more accessible, the program will be delivered virtually and will consist of 5 small cohorts from coast to coast to coast. Any Indigenous youth between the ages of 18-29 who are living in Canada and who are interested in this program are encouraged to apply!

The cohorts will include PST, MST, CST, EST & AST/NST. Each cohort will have a facilitator located within their time zone.

  • Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and/or Inuit) youth ages 18-29 (as of September 2023) who are currently located in Canada
  • Interested in learning about policy development
  • Who are solutions-focused with a desire to create real change
  • With the availability and capacity to meet once a week for an online class for the entirety of the nine-month program.
    • The program will take place on Tuesday evenings for 2-3 hours between 6:00-9:00 PM in their respective time zones from September 2023 to May 2024.
    • *There will be select weeks set aside for breaks, and if you must miss a class you will need to inform your facilitator. Too many missed sessions will result in an inability to continue with the program
  • Available for an in-person program launch in Toronto from September 21st – 24th 2023 (all costs will be covered)
  • Available for in-person program graduation in May/June 2024 (all costs covered, location and date TBD)

  • Developing policy recommendations in areas that matter to you and presenting your solutions to policymakers and leaders
  • Co-developing and shaping policies and programs with the government during and after the completion of the program
  • Experiential learning within the IYR community through participation in programs, events and gatherings
  • Ongoing networking in professional environments can further connections for future employment and career development
  • Joining our Policy Alumni Network following the completion of the program where you will be able to engage with a network of Indigenous policy leaders committed to policy development, holding the government accountable, and improving the overall representation of Indigenous people in positions of leadership. (This network will become a source of knowledge and expertise as it continues to grow each year.)
  • Welcome gift and learners package
  • A $1500.00 honorarium for participating in the program to honour your time and knowledge shared.
    • Paid in two installments, $500.00 in December 2023 and $1000.00 in June 2024 following graduation from the program
  • If you have any questions or require a different format for your application or if you simply prefer to inform us of your needs by email, please contact our Policy Programs Coordinator, Nicole, at nicolegeary@indigenousyouthroots.ca
  • *We can offer support to youth who have jobs that may require letters of support to participate in the Indigenous Policy School. Please inquire for details.

For More Information

Nicole Geary (she/they)
Nicole Geary (she/they)Centre for Indigenous Policy & Research, Policy Programs Coordinator