Petition to the Government of Canada: Support the First Nation YouthBuild Canada Movement

Preamble:

WHEREAS the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) passed Resolution 18:86, recognizing the importance of skills development and economic opportunities for First Nations youth; and

WHEREAS First Nations youth face disproportionately high rates of unemployment, poverty, and social challenges; and

WHEREAS the YouthBuild model has a proven track record of empowering marginalized youth through education, job training, and community development projects; and

WHEREAS a First Nation YouthBuild Canada movement would provide culturally relevant and community-driven opportunities for First Nations youth to gain valuable skills, contribute to their communities, and build brighter futures; and

WHEREAS this initiative aligns with the principles of self-determination and reconciliation, empowering First Nations to lead the development and implementation of solutions that address the specific needs of their youth;

Therefore, we, the undersigned, petition the Government of Canada to:

1. Provide immediate and substantial funding to support the development and implementation of a First Nation YouthBuild Canada movement, including:

• Specifically, we request a commitment of $60,000,000 over five years to train 1500 students in 20 strategically located FNYBC sites across Canada. This funding will support the establishment of a national coordinating body and the development and operation of local programs.
• Funding for wrap-around services, such as mentorship, counseling, and childcare, to ensure the success of participating youth.

1. Collaborate with the Assembly of First Nations and First Nations communities in the design and implementation of the First Nation YouthBuild Canada movement, ensuring that it is grounded in Indigenous knowledge and respects First Nations self-determination.
2. Commit to long-term, sustainable funding for the First Nation YouthBuild Canada movement beyond the initial five-year period, recognizing that this is a critical investment in the future of First Nations youth and communities.
3. Develop a comprehensive evaluation framework to measure the impact of the First Nation YouthBuild Canada movement and ensure its effectiveness in achieving its goals.
4. Publicly acknowledge and support the First Nation YouthBuild Canada movement as a vital initiative for empowering First Nations youth and promoting reconciliation.

Call to Action:

We urge the Government of Canada to take swift and decisive action to support the First Nation YouthBuild Canada movement. This is an opportunity to empower First Nations youth, strengthen First Nations communities, and contribute to a more just and equitable society.