Throughout our history, CWY has promoted a collaborative relationship with Canadian indigenous communities and incorporated indigenous values in our methodology as programs are developed. We work with young people to promote education and sustainable livelihoods through experiential learning. The skills and assets learned will broaden their perspectives and can be used to empower Indigenous Communities around the world. This experience makes CWY an excellent resource for other organizations looking to have the same impact. Guided by the recommendations of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and in partnership with Indigenous organizations, we will continue to include indigenous traditions and learning approaches in our programming.

• Indigenous communities in Canada are the backbone of Canadian history and are growing four times faster than the rest of the population
• More than ½ of the indigenous young people are in foster care and  ⅕ are living in conditions that are in need of major improvement
• High School completion rates are also increasing but still not at the same rate as non-indigenous youth and employment rates have remained unchanged over the years
• Indigenous Young people have a greater exposure to health problems including mental health

Our Programs Related to Empowerment and Experience for Indigenous Communities:

• United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
• International Aboriginal Youth Internship Initiative (IAYI)
• Indigenous 150+

CWY has almost five decades of experience addressing the needs of youth; facilitating youth access to sustainable livelihoods through its exchange and leadership programs in more than 70 countries around the world.

We build sustainable livelihoods through employment skills and entrepreneurship training, em-powering youth to secure meaningful employment or start businesses. Our approach is to include youth not only as beneficiaries of our programs but also as key innovators and impact contributors.

• According to the UN, there are 1.2 billion young people between the age of 15-24 in the world
• Young people are 3 times more likely than adults to be unemployed
• Investments made in young people early set the stage for a brighter future

Our Programs Related to Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship:

• United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
• International Aboriginal Youth Internship Initiative (IAYI)
• EQWIP Hubs

• 77 countries maintain restrictions on the types of work that women can do
• Globally, only 50 percent of the world’s working-age women participate in the formal labour force
• One in three married women in developing countries have no control over major household purchases
• In developing countries, women spend more than three times as much time on unpaid care work than men

• United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
• International Aboriginal Youth Internship Initiative(IAYI)
• China/Canada Young Leaders Program
• Fundacja Euroweek Global Learner Program
• HerWash
• CONFIO

• The impacts of climate change are apparent now more than ever
• Climate change poses serious challenges to the livelihoods of current and future generations
• Youth are the torchbearers of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Youth’s engagement in climate action efforts is key to achieving sustainable change

• United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
• International Aboriginal Youth Internship Initiative(IAYI)
• Fundacja Euroweek Global Learner Program

• There are 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10-25; the fastest growing demographic
• 90% of youth 10-25 live in developing countries
• Young people often have unaltered, idealistic, and unbiased perspectives which bring energy and creativity to societal challenges
• Young people are at an impressionable age in their formative years and have a significant voice through social media to have social impact and influence the future