We are CRE (Canadian Roots Exchange), a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth who believe that in order to bridge the gap between Canada’s peoples and work towards reconciliation, we need to become educated and aware of the teachings, triumphs, and daily realities of Indigenous communities
Through gatherings, workshops, and leadership training, we bring together youth in cities, towns, and traditional territories across Canada in an effort to break down stereotypes, open a dialogue, and build honest relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people living on this land.
Programs
CRE is a registered charity that provides Indigenous-based leadership, learning, and reconciliation experiences to every youth that participates in our programs. CRE organizes three main types of activities: leadership training programs, workshops, and gatherings. Central to CRE programming is the need to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. Regardless of the activity, we believe that having dialogue is necessary to foster understanding and reconciliation.
Check out the programs we offer!
Youth Reconciliation Initiative (YRI) is a leadership program that builds the capacity of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to envision and realize their versions of reconciliation at a local, regional, and national level.
CREation a multi-level funding program that supports strengths-based, community-focused, and youth-led projects taking place in communities across Canada. Grassroot youth groups/collectives (comprised of Indigenous youth ages 15-29) are eligible to apply for funding to support community programs and projects while receiving innovative mentorship, training, and capacity-building opportunities.
Indigenous Youth Policy School provides space for Indigenous youth (aged 18-29) to engage with peers through interactive online sessions on a local and national level. The School is a tuition-free program with no academic or professional requirements. Youth can be at any level of learning and understanding about policy (brand new to policy, or with a baseline); we will help ensure everyone starts at the same place.
The Research Hub is a part of the Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research. It provides opportunities for youth-led and community-focused researchers to undertake research projects that address the most pressing questions facing reconciliation in their communities and across Canada
The Peer Program is a 4-year program that aims to advance the personal and professional capacity of Indigenous youth (18-29). The program is specifically designed for youth across Canada who have limited access to education and employment experience.
Healing programs are spaces that bring together ceremony, traditional teachings, Indigenous healing and non-verbal arts-based activity. his program builds the capacity of Indigenous youth to create their own path for their healing journey and self-actualization by repairing insecure attachment, developing strong boundaries, healthy relationships, and identity.
The Justice program is aimed at building connections with youth across Canada by making access to justice for Indigenous youth possible. The program provides youth with an overview of the justice system and customary Indigenous justice practices.
Gatherings are three days events that bring together young movers and shakers from across the country come together to learn, play, and work towards improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth participate through youth-led workshops, intergenerational events, and local excursions that place a focus on reconciliation, Indigenous history, and cultural revitalization, dispelling stereotypes, health and wellbeing, and decolonization.