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Indigenous Youth Policy School

Indigenous Youth Policy School (IYPS) provides space for Indigenous youth ages 18-29 to engage with peers through interactive sessions on a local and national level. The program is designed to meet the needs of each individual student's strengths through its flexible curriculum and continuous support to ensure their version of success throughout the program is achieved.  

IYR's Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research is excited to launch its sixth call for applications to the Indigenous Youth Policy School.

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 the 9-month program, Indigenous youth are given the tools to move more confidently into a future where they can 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 is living in Canada and who is interested in this program is encouraged to apply! The cohorts will include: PT, MT, CT, ET & AT/NT. Each cohort will have a facilitator located within their region who may tailor program curriculum to reflect policy issues that are local and relevant to their cohort.

  • Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and/or Inuit) youth ages 18-29 (as of September 2025) 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 6:00-9:00PM in their respective time zones from September 2025 to May 2026. 
      • 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 from September 18-21, 2025 in Winnipeg, MB (all travel and food costs will be covered).
  • Available for an in-person program completion celebration in May/June 2026 (all costs covered, taking place in Ottawa, 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 completion of the program
  • Experiential learning within the IYR community through participation in programs, events and gatherings
  • Ongoing networking in professional environments that can further connections for future employment and career development
  • Support in accessing paid job opportunities and mentorship within the government
  • Joining IYR’s 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 2025 and $1000.00 in June 2026 following graduation from the program.

*We can offer letters of support to youth who may require assistance in getting time off approved to participate in the Policy School in-person events. Please inquire for details.

 

Indigenous Youth Policy School applications are now closed! Please check back in May 2026 for our next round of applications. In the meantime, keep an eye on our website and social media for more opportunities to get involved with our programming. We look forward to connecting with you!

For More Information

Nicole Geary

(she/they)

Policy School Manager

Open

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