Youth of the Year is a national initiative celebrating youth leadership and achievement at BGC Clubs across Canada. Youth of the Year aims to foster strong BGC ambassadors and build capacity for Clubs to support more youth leaders in their communities.
In recognizing the need to create equitable spaces for Indigenous Peoples, BGC Canada has created a new initiative: Indigenous Youth of the Year. The Indigenous Youth of the Year will receive a $2,000 CAD scholarship, laptop, prize pack, and media / leadership training to prepare them as a BGC ambassador for the next 1.5 years. Along with Regional Youth of the Year, the Indigenous Youth of the Year will also be eligible to become National Youth of the Year, with a total scholarship prize of $10,000 CAD. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth are encouraged to apply.
The Indigenous Youth of the Year will be held alongside Regional Youth of the Year in the selection process for special recognition as part of BGC Canada’s National Youth of the Year. Indigenous applicants not selected for Indigenous Youth of the Year will still be considered for the Regional Youth of the Year category.
Why was Indigenous Youth of the Year created?
BGC Canada’s mission is to help all young people, including Indigenous children and youth, to thrive personally and further enrich their communities. BGC Canada is committed to creating opportunities and sharing stories of Indigenous youth leadership and achievement. BGC Canada is also committed to building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
In prioritizing the selection of an Indigenous Youth of Year, BGC Canada recognizes its responsibility and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and remains mindful of the historic exclusion of Indigenous Peoples embedded in the fabric of Canada.
Meet our 2024 Indigenous Youth of the Year
Jordan, BGC Red Deer & District
Jordan has been a member of Red Deer Youth HQ/BGC since he was eleven. He now participates in various BGC events and values the sense of community and connection the Club offers. BGC has played a big role in his life, helping him break out of his shell and enjoy new experiences, especially in nature.
One of Jordan’s favourite memories is his West Coast Trail experience with BGC, where he bonded with friends and embraced new challenges. Reflecting on that adventure always brings back fond memories for him.
Drawn to the complexities of detective work and law enforcement, Jordan is interested in studying criminology and psychology. As Indigenous Youth of the Year, Jordan feels honoured to represent his Club and community. Having grown from a quiet youth to someone who confidently expresses himself, he is excited to share his story.
Meet our 2023 Indigenous Youth of the Year
Logan, BGC South Coast BC
Over the last 8 years, Logan has played an active role at BGC South Coast BC as a Club member and volunteer. He began his Club journey through the Raise the Grade program offered at his Club and in other programs later. Through what he learned from those experiences, he wants to help youth develop their skills in leadership, kindness, and patience. Logan also views his role at the Club as an opportunity to share his family’s Indigenous traditions and culture with others to create meaningful discussions.
An impactful member of youth-led reconciliation and connection efforts, Logan champions various Indigenous movements and helps lead conversations that shed light on Indigenous issues in his community. He shares his experiences to shed light on the negative effects of discrimination and amplify the voices of Indigenous young people. Outside his Club, Logan attends the Sarah Mclachlan School of Music, where he is learning to play the guitar, drums and partakes in the jazz band.
As BGC Canada’s Indigenous Youth of the Year, Logan wants to educate through meaningful conversations, improve the dialogue around Truth and Reconciliation, and help others understand the importance of taking action and speaking up about key issues affecting Indigenous People.
Meet our 2022 Indigenous Youth of the Year
Kayla, BGC Battlefords
Attending BGC Battlefords for 2 years, from member to volunteer to staff. Aspiring chef, with a passion for combating food insecurity and food deserts in Northern Canada. Kayla has had many positive experiences in her Club like attending Raise the Grade, Power UP! Activities, becoming a Program Leader, to incorporating Cree language labels. Outside of her Club she volunteers with Concern for Youth, a community non-profit organization, and is a member of the Community Grants Program Advisory Committee—which guides the program’s funding and reviews grant applications.
Through her community involvement, Kayla has contributed to creating care packages for women in the community and has supported land-based learning, musical artistry, and Indigenous language revitalization projects. As Youthof the Year, Kayla wants to share the supportive community BGC creates and inspire youth to realize their dreams and advocate for their beliefs.
