YORKTON — The Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan is launching a new youth program entitled Navigating Horizons.
“The opportunity for this came through funding from the National Association of Friendship Centres and Canada Service Corps, but from the beginning, I wanted to build something that youth would actually be excited to be part of. Rather than creating another program where they just sit in a classroom,” said Curtis Sanderson, youth program manager.
“We wanted to create something that's fun, engaging, and gives young people opportunities to try new things, meet new people, and build confidence,” continued Sanderson. “The goal is for youth to finish the program with new skills, new connections, and a better sense of what's possible for their future.”
Sanderson has spent most of his career working with Indigenous youth, first at the University of Saskatchewan and now with the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan.
“One thing I've learned is that when young people are given opportunities, and someone believes in them, they can accomplish incredible things,” said Sanderson.
“As a kid, someone mentioned that I would have a good voice for radio. 25 years later, I still have a part-time job doing radio news. I'd like to be that person in a young personal life that helps them to shape their future.”
This program gives those who work at the Friendship Centres a chance to connect youth with mentors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and professionals while also helping them explore careers, build leadership skills, and give back to their communities.
“It's exciting to be building something from the ground up that has the potential to make a real difference,” said Sanderson.
The new youth program called Navigating Horizons is a six-month Indigenous youth leadership program for youth ages 12 to 25. Participants will take part in leadership workshops, cultural activities, mentorship opportunities, career exploration, community projects, and volunteer experiences.
“Along the way they'll meet guest speakers from different careers and backgrounds, build new friendships, and develop practical skills they can use in school, work, and everyday life,” said Sanderson.
“We're also making sure the program is fun,” continued Sanderson. “Youth will have opportunities to earn rewards and incentives, including a Saskatchewan Roughriders game weekend in Regina and the chance to attend a national youth conference in Victoria, B.C.”
Sanderson says every young person deserves opportunities to discover what they're capable of.
“Not every youth has access to mentors or opportunities to travel, explore careers, or build leadership skills,” said Sanderson. “We want to help remove some of those barriers by creating experiences that encourage youth to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and connect with positive role models in their own communities.”
“Hopefully, participants finish the program believing in themselves a little more than when they started,” continued Sanderson.
Those interested can apply online using the application form, and anyone with questions is welcome to contact Sanderson directly by email or phone.
The Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan are also looking for Elders, Knowledge Keepers, mentors, businesses, and community organizations that would like to partner with us and support youth throughout the program.
Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan is also opening locations in six communities this year, but their hope is to continue expanding the program to more Friendship Centre communities across Saskatchewan.
“We're really excited to see where Navigating Horizons goes and to work alongside communities to create opportunities that Indigenous youth are proud to be part of,” said Sanderson.
