Call of Interest for the 2025 Youth Leaders Program
Application Deadline: March 28, 2025
Starts: June 4 – 6
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre
Vancouver, BC
1055 Canada Place
The First Nations Health Council (FNHC) is now accepting applications from First Nations youth; representatives aged 19 to 30 years to participate in the Youth Leaders Program at Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey XIII.
Please submit your application to Engagement.North@FNHA.ca by Friday, March 28, 2025.
What is it?
The First Nation Health Council (FNHC) has raised the importance of having youth participate at the Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey forum; recognizing that youth participation is vital to the work to further health and wellness for BC First Nations. The Youth Leaders Program hosts 15 aspiring BC First Nations Youth Leaders to attend the Gathering Wisdom XIII forum, learn from the leaders around them, and participate in a provincial-level dialogue on the health and well-being of First Nations youth in BC.
Every 18-months, Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey manifests the commitments made through the Tripartite BC First Nations Health Plan. These commitments underpin the transformation of health and wellness for BC First Nations. Through engagement and dialogue, significant province-wide decisions are made around roles, responsibilities and mandates within the BC First Nations Health Governance Structure.
The Gathering Wisdom Forum, 2025 will feature discussions on the BC-Specific Approach to Indigenous Health Legislation and the Evolution of the Health Governance Structure. This First Nations Health Council (FNHC) hosted gathering is an opportunity for Chiefs, Leaders and Health Directors to hear updates on engagement, and the roadmap to Gathering Wisdom XIV. There will be opportunities to participate in discussions with the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) and other health system and government partners.
Why apply?
Youth Leaders selected will receive an all-expense paid trip (including travel, accommodation and meals) to Vancouver for the Gathering Wisdom XIII forum, June 4 – 6, 2025. In addition, the Youth Leaders will receive a health and wellness prize package for their participation in the forum. Most importantly, the Youth Leaders will have the opportunity to connect directly with First Nation leaders from across BC and represent the voices of First Nation youth at the largest Indigenous health and wellness forum in the country.
Application and Selection Process
How to apply?
Please submit your interest via email to Engagement.North@FNHA.ca by March 28, 2025. There is not a formal application form, please send an email including the name of your First Nation, and your contact information (phone / email) in an email responding to the following:
Requirements
- Eligible BC First Nations Youth ages 19-30 are eligible to apply.
- Must be either enrolled in high school or have completed Grade 12 or GED.
- Demonstrates volunteer and leadership experience.
- Demonstrates community engagement and involvement.
- Please attach a letter or email from your Chief (or equivalent) or Band Administration or Health Department indicating that your community endorses you to represent your Sub Region and community at the event.
- A letter or email from your Chief (or equivalent) or Band Administration or Health Department indicating that your community’s administration will coordinate and pay for all aspects of your travel (e.g., flight, travel to closest airport, hotel etc.) and will provide you with a travel advance as per FNHA expense reimbursement policy. After the event, the community will submit an expense claim to FNHA for reimbursement of your travel costs.
- Availability to travel to Vancouver and attend the 3-day forum (June 4, 5, 6, 2025) daily from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Be comfortable with public speaking in front of approximately 700 attendees.
- Experience mentoring youth is an asset.
- Active participation in cultural activities is an asset.
Selection Process
- Selection Process
- To be accepted, candidates must show they meet the requirements listed above by submitting an email (with attachments) to Engagement.North@FNHA.ca by March 28, 2025.
- One youth from each of the Northern Sub Regions (Northwest, North Central and Northeast) will be selected.
- Complete submissions will be reviewed by Gathering Wisdom XIII event organizers.
- Accepted candidates will be notified no later than April 11, 2025.
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Contact Information
First Nations Health Council (FNHC)
Phone
604-693-6500
Toll-free
1-866-913-0033
Fax
604-913-2081
Email
sharedsecretariat@fnha.ca
Address
501-100 Park Royal South
Coast Salish Territory
West Vancouver, B.C.
V7T 1A2
