Applications Now Open for New Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

Indigenous youth across six Saskatchewan communities are invited to apply for Navigating Horizons, a new leadership program designed to help young people build confidence, develop new skills, connect with mentors and Elders, and make a positive impact in their communities.

The program, led by the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan (AFCS), is currently accepting applications from Indigenous youth ages 12–25 in Meadow Lake, La Ronge, Buffalo Narrows, Île-à-la-Crosse, Fort Qu’Appelle, and Yorkton.

Navigating Horizons combines leadership development, cultural learning, mentorship, community involvement, career exploration, and hands-on experiences. Participants will have opportunities to attend workshops, earn certifications, volunteer in their communities, connect with local leaders and Knowledge Keepers, and work toward exciting rewards and incentives, including a group trip to Regina for a Saskatchewan Roughriders game weekend and the opportunity to attend a national youth conference in Victoria, B.C.

Navigating Horizons is delivered by the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan through funding from the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), with support from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) through the Canada Service Corps program. This investment is creating meaningful leadership opportunities for Indigenous youth while strengthening communities across Saskatchewan.

“This program is about creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to discover their strengths, build confidence, and connect with their communities in meaningful ways,” said Curtis Sanderson, Youth Program Manager with the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan. “We want youth to have fun, discover new opportunities, meet inspiring people, explore future careers, and develop skills that will benefit them long after the program is over.”

The program is expected to run over approximately six months and includes a combination of in-person activities, mentorship opportunities, cultural experiences, community projects, and interactive workshops.

Navigating Horizons will launch in six communities this year, with plans to expand to additional Friendship Centre communities across Saskatchewan in the future.

AFCS is also inviting local organizations, businesses, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and professionals interested in mentoring youth or delivering workshops to get involved.

Applications are now open.