Uncovering Common Ground

This project supported local organizations to gather Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people from across Canada to address barriers to reconciliation and decolonization, and implement inclusive solutions for animals, people, and the environment. Launched in 2019, this three-year project has since ended.

With guidance from Elders, Jane Goodall Institute staff, and other mentors, Uncovering Common Ground participants shared and developed ideas to steward their communities. The goal was to make them more socially just, culturally aware, and environmentally sustainable.

Each participant undertook a project of relevance to their community. They practiced community leadership, critical and analytical thinking, resource and project management, and team building.

The Uncovering Common Ground project culminated in a national youth-led forum where participants shared learnings, project outcomes, and recommendations for further action.

Improving

mutual understanding of reconciliation and decolonization.

Supporting

greater civic engagement to address social and sustainability issues.

Enhancing

hard and soft skills through participation in service opportunities.

UCG In Action

Urban Greenhouse, ON

UCG participants helped construct and maintain a greenhouse to provide community members with access to medicines and fresh foods grown by their own hands. Virtual workshops were offered to provide lessons and traditional teachings on local medicines and plant care.

Widening Circles, MB

By focusing on fostering reconciliation and decolonization between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, particularly newcomers to Canada, this project offered meaningful workshops that address decolonization and reconciliation in a way that’s accessible to all.

Reserve #2 Restoration, BC

Working closely with Scia’new youth, this project restored access to an important natural space for young people, reconnecting them with the land, engaging Elders, and restoring this site to its original glory.

T’Sou-ke Camera Trail Workshop, BC

This initiative strengthened the capacity of some members of T’sou-ke First Nation and helped establish an ongoing system for the collection and analysis of wildlife data that the T’Sou-ke Nation will continue to implement beyond the scope of this project to ensure the sustainability of results.

Luisa, Winnipeg MB

“I knew that if I could empower myself, then I could empower someone else. Making decisions, communicating and working with a team with different first languages and cultures seemed hard at first. However, despite our differences, our team made me see that I can be part of a group without feeling voiceless. This project made me realize I should appreciate my land and my knowledge.”

Tessa, Victoria BC

“This project has demonstrated the benefits of community work and that change can happen at all levels. I have noticed the benefits of grassroots/bottom-up community work and have realized and cherished developing interpersonal relationships. I’ve built a new understanding of the value of grassroots and community service work.”

More Youth Leadership in Action

Roots & Shoots

Tens of thousands of young people across the country have decided to make the world a better place. With this program, they’re empowered to do it. And you can join them.

Learn More

Youth Advisory Council

This extraordinary group of change-makers helps connect us to the needs of Canada’s young people. They help shape our programs and inspire change from coast-to-coast-to-coast.