About Indigenous Youth Roots

(formerly known as CRE)

Our Vision

We envision a future

where Indigenous youth are empowered and connected as dynamic leaders in vibrant and thriving communities.

Our Purpose

As a national Indigenous youth-led organization,

we collaborate with communities to provide programs, grants and opportunities that are grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being and designed to strengthen and amplify the voices of Indigenous youth. Indigenous Youth Roots (IYR) is a registered charity that provides Indigenous-based leadership, learning, and experiences to every youth that participates in our programs.

Our Guiding Principles

Centering Indigenous youth perspectives

We have 7 deeply held principles that guide us in our work and in the way in which we relate to each other:

Reciprocity
Advocacy
Resurgence
Accountability
Innovation
Reclamation
Solidarity

Community Advisory Circle

Strengthening OUR programs and services

Our Community Advisory Circle (CAC) helps strengthen IYR’s programs and services through a governance system that is based on Indigenous governance teachings and rooted in community accountability. The CAC makes recommendations on matters that impact the experiences of communities and youth. This advice is crucial for IYR’s Board of Directors (BOD) as they set the goals and direction of the organization.

Community Advisory Circle Responsibilities:

  • Advice

    Providing advice to IYR & the Board;

  • Work

    Working thoughtfully and purposefully toward building consensus;

  • Support

    Supporting the development of IYR’s strategic plans;

  • Respect

    Respecting other CAC members’ perspectives and holding space for all voices at the table;

  • Collaborate

    Working collaboratively and positively to support IYR growth & program delivery;

  • Review

    Reviewing IYR’s annual plans;

  • Represent

    Representing voices from community members who do not sit as part of the circle;

  • Meet

    Attending all scheduled meetings whenever possible and;

  • Critique

    Providing feedback to IYR directors & the Board on program charters, including highlighting gaps or necessary enhancements, ensuring programs are in line with Indigenous knowledge and practices, and ensuring programs are relevant to the communities they are serving.