Creation Advisory Circle Reflections

The Creation Advisory Circle has been running for five years and has helped shape the granting program into what it is today! Each year, advisory circle members come together virtually to make important leadership decisions like setting program priorities, determining eligibility requirements, and making funding decisions.

We asked former advisory circle members to share their experiences with us, including what they learned from being part of the circle and any advice they would give to others who are thinking of joining.

What is a change you helped make that was exciting?

A change I helped make that was exciting, was certainly shaping my own personal voice. I went from being rather timid about criticizing aspects of projects I found questionable to being forthcoming in my approach to sharing my concerns, hesitations, or areas I thought needed to be discussed. There’s a confidence that one gets in sitting amongst peers in a safe space.

– Justin Langan, Creation Advisory Circle Term 2021-2025

Group of youth in a circle in the forest being taught by an elder

What has been the most impactful part of being in the Creation Advisory Circle?

The most impactful part is knowing I was in a national community of Indigenous youth advocating, learning, decolonizing, and sharing knowledge from our past and current perspectives on growing communities. We were able to learn through many workshops and speaking within our advisor meetings. It’s hard to just highlight what is the most impactful, as we all had efforts and consent in shaping how IYR met community goals.

– Erica Wilson, Creation Advisory Circle Term 2023-2025

What do you think is the impact of having youth provide input on the program?

The impact is having your own experiences and expertise and using them to help impact the process.

– Deseray Rich, Creation Advisory Circle Term 2023-2025

What advice would you give to other youth who are considering joining an advisory circle but haven’t decided yet?

Do it! I joined when I was 17 and although I was nervous, I was excited for the opportunity. I’m 21 now and leaving due to my term ending, but if I could tell any other youth some advice, it would be “Take the chance” and that “It’s worth it”.

– Toni, Creation Advisory Circle Term 2021-2025

I would recommend joining this advisory circle and you’ll be inspired by many youth in many communities who want their communities to thrive. These projects are needed and they need to be invested.

– Delano Kennedy, Creation Advisory Circle Term 2023-2025

What is a skill you learned from being part of the advisory circle or review circle?

I learned to reflect a lot more. A part of the decolonization process when it comes to grants, projects, and working in community groups, is the refection allows more time to empathize with individuals who are just learning the processes and what it takes to go from an idea, to being in it, to wrapping it up. When your in it, it’s always go, go, go but taking that time to just be like, “damn”.