Canada Programs Uncovering Common Ground This three-year project supports 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. With guidance from Elders, JGI staff, and other mentors, UCG participants share and develop ideas to steward their communities. The goal is to make them more socially just, culturally aware, and environmentally sustainable. Each participant undertakes a project of relevance to their community. They practice community leadership, critical and analytical thinking, resource and project management, and team building. The Uncovering Common Ground project will culminate in a national youth-led forum where participants will share 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 offers 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 will strengthen the capacity of some members of T’sou-ke First Nation and will help to 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.” Featured Download Read “The Most Significant Change” Report Storytelling is an important part of Indigenous culture, and has been important to Uncovering Common Ground. So we asked the 2019-2020 participants: “What was the most significant change you have experienced as a result of your participation in this initiative”? This report tells those stories. Download the Report Our Program Partners 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. Learn More
