The Indigenous Youth Employment Program has come to a close following the completion of its funding. We are incredibly proud of the youth, partners, and community members who have made IYEP what it is.

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About IYEP

The Indigenous Youth Employment Program-IYEP, is a 5-month program for First Nations, Metis, and Inuk youth aged 16-29 who are looking to gain foundational, holistic employment skills and experience.

IYEP MISSION: Support Indigenous youth to build fulfilling and sustainable futures by combining practical skills development with cultural enrichment and ongoing support.

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The Closure

As IYEP comes to a close following the completion of its funding, we wanted to honour the voices, memories, and impact that shaped this program.

This reflection was written and presented by the IYEP team—two former IYEP participants who, after graduating from the program, returned to steward and carry its work forward. Their journey reflects the heart of IYEP: investing in young people who, in turn, strengthen and give back to their community.

We are honoured to share their words as part of the program's legacy, and we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped shape IYEP over the years.

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Who We Are

We are a small but dedicated two-person team that delivered the Indigenous Youth Employment Program. IYEP ran twice a year, typically during the late spring-summer and late fall-winter seasons. We welcomed First Nations, Metis, and Inuit youth aged 16-29 who were looking to build foundational and holistic employment skills and gain meaningful work experience in an Indigenous setting. Our mission is to support Indigenous youth to build fulfilling and sustainable futures by combining practical skills development with cultural enrichment and ongoing support. In small cohorts we would have group-based workshops focused on employment readiness, life skills, financial literacy, and Indigenous cultural teachings led by local Knowledge Keepers. Participants would then transition into a paid practicum placement, where they would gain hands-on experience, confidence, and workplace skills. Throughout the program, participants received wraparound supports, including one-to-one staff support, transit passes, grocery allowances, honorariums, and access to job-related certifications if needed. As participants completed their placements, they are supported to transition into ongoing employment, further training, or education, with continued employment counselling as needed.

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What We Did

Throughout the years, we were fortunate to invite and host facilitators, knowledge keepers, and elders from every corner of Vancouver. Together, we learned how to weave medicines such as cedar and sweetgrass, customize our own medicine satchels, bead earrings and lanyards, and create traditional hide drums.

We collaborated with organizations to teach our youth the necessary skills to budget their money and stand up for themselves in the workplace. We encouraged questions and curiosity throughout presentations, ensuring that no question is a silly question.

At its heart, IYEP was about supporting youth to find their voices and move toward independence in ways that felt true to them. The stories and teachings shared by Indigenous storytellers such as Norm Leech, John Spence, Theresa Contois, Rita Kompst, Natasha Johnson and many others helped guide youth as they shaped their own goals and directions.

IYEP was never just one-dimensional. Cultural teaching, life skills, and employment readiness were woven together in ways that felt grounded and meaningful. Youth weren’t asked to leave parts of themselves at the door—instead, their full selves were welcomed into the learning centre.

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Our Thanks

So, we want to say thank you to everyone. First, the Government of BC for the funding that supported the IYEP program all these years. Thank you to our community partners for giving our youth a chance at employment and support through their placements. Especially this cycle, Thank you to our peer Indigenous organizations such as VACFSS for continuously referring youth to our door. Thank you to our knowledge keepers for providing wisdom, support, and relative stories that invoke inspiration and deep thought. And our facilitators. Our youth loved the presentations and discussions with Odessa from Family Services, as well as Tracy from Alive After 5, whose workplace stories were both informative and sometimes a bit squeamish. To our participants – without you, this program would not have lasted as long as it did. To those we had the pleasure of learning alongside and watching blossom, thank you for the laughter, growth, and unforgettable moments you shared with us. And to those we came to know through emails and the stories held in our files, we thank you for your participation and for being part of IYEP’s journey.

To Tasha and Frog Hollow, for giving us a chance. Both have given us an environment to learn, meet new people, and grow with our community.

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Testimonials

One of the most meaningful parts of IYEP has always been hearing directly from the youth. Their words remind us why this program mattered and the impact it had beyond resumes and job placements. Youth shared that IYEP helped them build confidence, feel supported, and believe in themselves in ways they hadn’t before. Many spoke about feeling safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace. Some shared that this was the first time they felt seen and valued in an employment program—where their identities, cultures, and lived experiences were honored alongside skill-building. Others shared that IYEP helped them figure out what they want for their future, reconnect with culture, and feel more prepared to step into work, school, or whatever came next. Hearing these reflections reminds us that IYEP was more than a program—it was a space where youth could be themselves and feel supported. Even as IYEP comes to a close, these stories live on through the youth who passed through the program. The confidence, skills, and sense of belonging they gained will continue to shape their paths moving forward.

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- BY, Jesica Castaneda - Program Coordinator of IYEP and a graduate from Cycle 9 & Lexi Allinott - Youth Worker of IYEP and a graduate from Cycle 14

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Funding provided by the Government of Canada through the
Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement