YFNED SUMMER LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Work experience and skill development for Indigenous youth
YFNED is offering work placements for 16 Indigenous Youth (14-17) for a six-week work experience program from June 23 to July 31.
This program is intended for youth seeking personal development, training, mentorship, or leadership opportunities. Youth will be paid through honorarium.
Week 1 and 2: Life Skills & Outdoor Essentials
Youth will learn practical life and outdoor skills through hands-on, land-based activities, including paddling, river safety, first aid, food safety, medicine walks, sexual health, and creative skills.
Week 3–6: Skills Program
Youth will choose one of five hands-on skills programs and build practical skills through focused, project-based learning in Boat Building, Aunties Camp, Leadership & Sport, or Connected to the Land, Carried by the Water.
Each Skills Program is limited to four youth.
1) Boat Building: build a traditional Gwich'in-style flat-bottom boat with master build and Gwich'in Elder Esau Schaefer, and carve mini Tlingit-style paddles.
Questions? Contact Myles Rumley-Nukon at myles.rumleynukon@yfned.ca
2) Aunties Camp: make a ribbon skirt and willow basket, harvest plants, cook over the fire, learn cultural teachings, and other wellness practices rooted in culture and care.
Questions? Contact Tanis Van Bibber at tanis.vanbibber@yfned.ca
3) Leadership & Sport: learn how to be a positive role model, mentor, and team member through mountain biking, golf, stop motion animation, ball hockey, pickleball, and Dene Games.
Questions? Contact Eric Porter at eric.porter@yfned.ca
4) Connected to the Land, Carried by the Water: learn First Aid, swift water rescue, still water/canoe safety, plant and medicine harvesting, and survival skills.
Questions? Contact Bria Mclean at bria.mclean@yfned.ca
Apply by Friday, June 12, 2026
