Youth on the Land

Youth on the Land works with Indigenous youth to bring stories, skills and traditional knowledge to life. Harvesting skills, cedar weaving, drumming and story-telling are all taught on the land, as well as knowledge of the seasons and the history of the land.

Our Youth on the Land program began with very humble beginnings. In the early years, we had no permanent structure or dedicated space to gather youth. Still, we held close to the vision of our late Elders: a place where Indigenous Youth could connect with culture, community, land, and belonging.

Today, that vision lives and breathes on the sacred lands of Xwaaqw’um, where Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Youth Mentors, students, and community members come together in learning, healing, and relationship. Our circle is rooted in safety, inclusion, and respect for all who enter.

Through land-based education, youth take part in wetland restoration, native plant cultivation, food sovereignty work, and seasonal cultural practices. Guided by Indigenous teachings, they learn skills such as sustainable cedar harvesting and weaving, drum making and drumming, storytelling, respectful harvesting, and land stewardship-strengthening intergenerational knowledge and keeping these practices alive.

As youth deepen their relationship with the land, they also strengthen their sense of identity, belonging and responsibility. The program supports mental, emotional, spiritual, and cultural well-being while helping youth build confidence, leadership, and advocacy skills. We honour the technologies of our ancestors and continue to show how our people have always been scientists, innovators, and careful stewards of the land.

Youth on the Land also opens pathways to employment, mentorship, and training in ecological restoration, cultural education, and community-based learning. It strengthens relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through shared experience, teamwork, and the commitment to walk together in a good way.

We are committed to creating a safe and culturally grounded space for everyone who participates. Our staff, Cultural Leaders, Youth Mentors, and Elders are guided by cultural values, ethical practice, and annual Criminal Record Checks for working with vulnerable populations. We welcome Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, Metis youth and families from all nations and territories, as well as non-Indigenous allies, recognizing the displacement many of our relations have experienced and create space to practice culture, connect with the land, and celebrate Indigeneity.

Over the past five years, the program has grown to welcome school districts from across the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, and beyond, along with professional groups from many sectors. We are especially grateful for our strong working relationship with School District 64 and the opportunity to co-create curriculum together, including a Physiology and Anatomy 12 course grounded in Two-Eyed Seeing and the Guiding Principles of Stqeeye’ Learning Society. Additionally, we are currently developing land-based curriculum across disciplines for students from kindergarten through grade 12.

We have come a long way, and we did not get here alone. We raise our hands in deep gratitude to the Elders, families, partners, funders, educators, youth and community members who continue to support this work. When you choose to give, you are helping to sustain programs that strengthen identity, restore connection, and change lives.

Huy tseep q’u for your time, care, and support.