Co-Development of Distinctions-Based Health Legislation

Sharing circles create a safe space for participants to share their perspectives and will allow participants to speak freely about their experiences. The structure of these sessions will ensure that others are listening, allowing for participants to take the lead in developing the direction of the circle, thus giving a sense of empowerment and trust within the circle. 

Most importantly, this approach emphasizes story-telling, a practice that is so highly valued amongst Indigenous cultures. 

The themes of each circle will focus on:

• Experiences with the current health systems, and best practices for navigating the current system, and 
• Imagining alternatives to the current health system, and/or how to transform/decolonize the current health system to better reflect the needs of Indigenous youth. 

More details will be shared with participants one week before the circle. Each youth participant will receive an honorarium of $150.00 for their participation in the engagements. 

We hope that you will be able to join us. 

• Central (MB, SK, ON): Wednesday, October 20, 2021 (4:00-6:00PM CST)  
• Northern (YT, NT, NU, Northern Provinces- *see this link for breakdown): Wednesday, November 3, 2021 (4:00-6:00PM CST)  
• Western (BC, AB): Wednesday, November 17, 2021 (4:00-6:00PM PST)  

*Please note there is limited space, however a waitlist will be available and if required, a supplementary survey will be sent to ensure as many voices as possible are heard throughout this process. If you have any questions about which to join, please do not hesitate to contact us via email centre@canadianroots.ca 

Sign Up Now!

As we continue to find new ways to make space for Indigenous youth to lead policy discussions and decision-making, policy hackathons present an opportunity to empower and educate all in the same space, while also fostering connection with other like-minded youth.

A Policy Hackathon is an event where teams are given a case study outlining a policy problem, and given a limited amount of time to come up with policy solutions to that problem. 

Their recommendations are then evaluated by a panel of judges, and a winner is declared. By their nature and structure, Policy Hackathons create space for imagining innovative policy solutions while also building people’s capacity to work in the policy field. 

With a strict time limit and a diversity of backgrounds and experiences among the participants, teams can have a “sky’s the limit” conversation about solutions, resulting in surprising and creative policy recommendations.

Importantly, this dialogue happens on a foundation that centers safety, Indigenous identities, and Indigenous ways of knowing and being in the world all while you;

• Learn about policy in a safe, supportive learning environment!
• Meet other Indigenous youth interested in policy and governance!
• Build your capacity in critical analysis and change-making when it comes to reconciliation!
• Impact and contribute to the development of real legislation 

Successful applicants will be provided with:

• A welcome package (some exciting goodies delivered right to your door)
• A learners package (to help you get prepared for the hackathon)
• Lunch stipends ($25.00 for each of the 5 program days)
• Honouraria for your time and expertise 
• $1,000.00 per 1st place team member
• $750.00 per 2nd place team member
• $500.00 per 3rd, 4th and 5th place team members
• Access to CREs Policy Alumni Network upon completion of the program

Interested in learning more about how our last few hackathons went? Check it out here!

Apply Now!

Thank you to the Federal Government for your support!