Youth

The Aboriginal population in British Columbia, similar to across Canada, is very youthful, with 46 per cent under the age of 25.

Aboriginal youth have immense potential to make valuable contributions to their communities and to the province. Aboriginal people 15 to 30 years of age are finding opportunities to be involved and to make a difference, whether by joining a youth council, attending conferences, pursuing new educational opportunities, or taking time to be with and learn from elders. Youth want to be included.

The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation supports several initiatives for youth engagement.

  • The Community Development Branch creates relationships with youth from several First Nation communities. The Branch helps youth find ways to create their own opportunities, initiating projects related to leadership development and working with outside partners to focus on youth-identified priorities and traditional arts and culture.

To learn more about some of these projects, visit the community development page.

  • The Unified Aboriginal Youth Collective (UAYC) is a consortium of Aboriginal youth representative bodies and organizations in British Columbia. The purpose of the UAYC is to unify the diverse groups of Aboriginal youth in British Columbia to establish a common voice.  Current members of the UAYC include: BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres – Provincial Aboriginal Youth Council, BC Assembly of First Nations – First Nations Youth Council of BC, Métis Nation British Columbia – Métis Youth British Columbia, and the Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association.

The UAYC’s objectives are to build positive relationships amongst BC Aboriginal groups; support and create opportunities to develop and enhance Aboriginal youth leadership; advocate for youth representation and participation within the Province of British Columbia; represent Aboriginal youth voices in a working relationship with governing bodies in areas of legislation, policy, initiatives, programs, and services; and increase and support capacity for the continued growth of Aboriginal youth initiatives, leadership and institutions of governance.

Memorandum of Understanding between B.C. and the Unified Aboriginal Youth Collective

Contact the Intergovernmental and Community Relations Branch to find out more.
(250) 387-2199

  • The Aboriginal Youth Internship Program is a 12-month paid internship for Aboriginal youth residing in B.C., age 29 and under. Interns are placed in provincial government ministries for nine months and then in Aboriginal organizations for the last three months of their internship.