Youth & Elders

Information on Youth and Elder program coming soon.

Youth & Elders

2026 Call for Applications

We are pleased to invite applications from First Nations youth (ages 18-30) and community-recognized Elders to attend the Annual First Nations Leading the Way Conference, taking place in Vancouver, B.C. on October 15–16. This year, we will welcome 25 youth and 25 Elders from across Canada. Successful applicants will have their travel, accommodations, and per diems fully covered by the organizers.

Regional Allocation
We are seeking representation from across the country, including:

  • Western Canada (9 seats): British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan
  • Central Canada (9 seats): Manitoba, Ontario, Québec
  • Atlantic Canada (5 seats): Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island
  • Northern Canada (2 seats): Northwest Territories, Yukon

Application Process

  • Deadline: 1:00 pm (PT) Friday, August 28
  • Completed applications must be submitted to info@fnleadingtheway.com
  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted
  • Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and seats may be filled before the deadline

Get Application
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a working group that meets bi-weekly. Selection is based on:

  • Community nomination
  • Responses to application questions
  • Completion of the full application and agreement to the code of conduct
  • Availability from October 14–17 and commitment to attend both conference days in full

Applicants who are not selected for in-person attendance are warmly invited to join virtually.

Community Nominations
We respectfully limit attendance to one youth representative and one Elder representative per Nation.

If your Nation wishes to nominate participants:

  1. Individuals must first complete their application
  2. The Nation must then submit both applications to confirm their support

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW:

The National Meeting will be further opportunity to highlight the challenges and successes of First Nations working to achieve their economic and social development goals. The event’s main purpose is to share successes, invite input on solutions, and raise awareness about services and supports already available through the FMA institutions. This year’s conference also serves as a platform for young Indigenous leaders like yourself to share knowledge, experiences, and innovative ideas that will shape the future of our communities.

On the last day of the conference, we have arranged a panel specifically for youth participation. This Q&A panel aims to provide youth with a platform to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue. We understand that your unique insights and inquiries are crucial to shaping a better future, and we are excited to have you actively contribute to the conference.

TRAVEL DATES & LOCATION:

Per diems (meal allowance) will be covered during travel to and from the hotel, and for the duration of the event when meals are not provided at the event.

The organizers offer to book youth and Elder travel based on the most direct and economical route per information provided in the application.

TRAVEL ALLOWANCE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER INCIDENTALS
Per diem Rates $24.90 $25.20 $61.85 $17.30

Apply by Registering

Based on a limited number of seats, each application is reviewed and approved prior to being admitted to this year’s event. Also, due to space restriction, we are welcoming only a handful of applicants per region.

Apply by Registering

Based on a limited number of seats, each application is reviewed and approved prior to being admitted to this year’s event. Also, due to space restriction, we are welcoming only a handful of applicants per region.

WESTERN CENTRAL ATLANTIC NORTHERN
British Columbia,
Alberta, and
Saskatchewan		 Manitoba,
Ontario, and
Quebec		 Nova Scotia, Newfoundland,
New Brunswick,
and Prince Edward Island		 Yukon and
Northwest Territories
8 seats 8 seats 5 seats 3 seats

REGISTRATION DUE OCTOBER 18, 2024, OR WHEN FULL

APPLICATION TIMELINE / STEPS

1

Application is received by FNLTW Youth & Elder Working Group.

2

Application approved or added to waitlist within two weeks.

3

Communication of approval or waitlist to the Nominee.

4

If approved, (per the application) a travel itinerary provided for review and approval within two weeks of approval.

–OR–

If approved, (per the application) the Nation is invited to book travel.

5

If delegate approves, booking made and itinerary sent to Youth within the week.

–OR–

Nation provides travel itinerary to delegate.

6

Youth/Elder delegate kit provided by Friday, November 12, 2024.

Email your questions to: info@fnleadingtheway.com