EleV Youth Voices
Changemakers: Indigenous Youth Leading the Way to a Vibrant & Sustainable Future
The vision for EleV, co-created and confirmed with Indigenous youth and communities, is for Indigenous young people to be living Mino Bimaadiziwin, which means “a good life” in the Anishinaabe language, and encompasses a holistic and Indigenized view of success – not simply employment but a meaningful livelihood, a fulfilling life, a life consistent with one’s traditions and values.
This means listening to Indigenous youth, centering and amplifying their voices, and supporting their ideas and initiatives for real, transformative change. Learn more about how Indigenous young people across Canada view Mino Bimaadiziwin and the actions they are taking to make this vibrant future a reality.
Our Vision, Our Future, Our Languages
EleV supports language revitalization to enable Indigenous young people to lead, prosper and thrive in their education and in their lives
Indigenous youth have stated unequivocally that revitalizing Indigenous languages and cultures—and embedding Indigenous ways of knowing, being and learning—is critical for their success in post-secondary education, their transitions to meaningful livelihoods, and Indigenous self-determination. Our Vision, Our Future, Our Languages explores this topic through a video series featuring the voices, perspectives, and experiences of Indigenous young people.
Mural at Ongomiizwin, University of Manitoba Bannatyne Campus
Rooted in the theme Taking Flight Together, the mural at Ongomiizwin – the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing at the University of Manitoba – was informed by the voices, aspirations, and values of Indigenous youth. Anishinaabe Woodlands artist Blake Angeconeb, from Treaty 3 territory, braided together Indigenous youth perspectives on how they are #TakingFlightTogether to attain their education and employment goals, into a stunning, three-storey-high mural.
Culture, Connection, and Resurgence
At the EleV Program, we seek to uplift and amplify the voices of Indigenous young people as agents of change in their communities and in Canada as a whole. In Culture, Connection, and Resurgence young Indigenous artists share their aspirations, talent, and vision in answer to the question: “What does Mino Bimaadiziwin mean to you?”
Culture, Connection, and ResurgencePaths to a Good Life
Indigenous youth are at the centre of our work with more than 45 partners across Canada. Creating innovative, transformative approaches to education, training and the transition to meaningful livelihoods, our partners embrace and embed Indigenous values, cultures and worldviews, and ways of knowing and learning. Indigenous youth who are confident in their cultures and equipped with a quality education will help build stronger Indigenous nations and a stronger country for us all.
Karlene Harvey
karleneharvey.com
Karlene Harvey (she/they) is a Tsilhqot’in and Syilx illustrator and writer. This image centres on the imagination and joy of Indigenous youth. Arms outstretched, the future glows bright and is filled with transformative hope. The geese can guide the way home, all one needs to do is look up.
