Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE) is a national Indigenous youth-led charity empowering youth to shape the future of truth and reconciliation in this country.

Exchanges

Experiential education programs hosted by Indigenous communities.

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Youth Reconciliation Initiative

Putting youth at the forefront of decolonial relationship-building since 2012.

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Gatherings

Indigenous and non-Indigenous young leaders sharing reconciliation transformational work.

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Our Vision

We believe in a Canada where youth stand in solidarity to promote respect, understanding, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Our Mission

CRE builds bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in Canada by facilitating dialogue and strengthening relationships through leadership programs.

By the numbers…

CRE has has been active since 2008, and our impact across the country grows every year.

50+

exchange programs delivered

5

national reconciliation conferences organized

157

YRI leaders trained in over 12 communities

9000+

viewership on award-winning documentaries

Our Philosophy

All our programming is guided by the following six tenets.

Networks of solidarity

Honest, effective solidarity rests on strong relationships, and at CRE, these relationships are the top priority.

Centring Indigenous worldviews

Through collective learning, we’re committed to bringing Indigenous teachings into the everyday thought process of Canadians.

Practicing what we preach

At CRE, we model the change we want to see with at least 50% Indigenous representation at every level of our organization, with a goal of reaching 70%.

Discovering positive realities

CRE works to open the eyes of more Canadians to the resilience, strength, and successes of Indigenous peoples.

Safe spaces for dialogue

Every CRE facilitator is equipped with an anti-oppression framework to create safe spaces for people of diverse backgrounds.

Having fun together

From ice-fishing to joking around on 750-km road trips, our programs are proof that laughter is one of the best ways to build relationships!