Canadian Roots Exchange

Reconciliation in our lifetime

The Network: Carrying out the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call To Action #66

Français sur page 2 ci-bas

Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research

What is The Network?

In response to TRC Call to Action 66, a key deliverable of our pilot program, CRE has begun to build The Network, which entails establishing  “…a national network to share information and best practices.” Guided by an Engagement Framework, The Network has two main components; 

  • Sharing information, opportunities and best practices in an efficient and effective manner;
  • Enhancing the quality and quantity of engagement opportunities for Indigenous youth

Each month, members of The Network will have an opportunity to submit any information, opportunities, stories, or best practices with us to send out in a comprehensive message to the rest of The Network members. This will allow for Indigenous youth, communities, and larger organizations to share their hard work and successes with a wider audience; ultimately increasing reach and impact, and building more connections of Indigenous leaders across the country. Launched in mid-December 2020, The Network will continue to grow and expand in order for it to have the most representation possible.

We will also be working to improve the quality of engagement opportunities that are provided to Indigenous youth. With the support of The Network, CRE will create a process by which Indigenous youth have access to higher quality, and higher quantities of engagement opportunities. Organizations, corporations, and government departments will submit a Request for Engagement form which will ask questions ensuring that their engagement will follow the principles of our Framework- and will be in the best interest of Indigenous youth from start to finish. Furthermore, to increase relevance, the form will ask questions that will allow us to direct their request to Indigenous youth who will be most impacted by the topic or issue. Any requests that do not meet the standards for engagement will not be passed along to youth. This aims to create more safety and opportunity for Indigenous youth to share their voice and perspective in a good way. 

The framework itself will be an important component of this initiative as it will outline our engagement protocols and principles with Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in all relationships and partnerships. This piece has been co-developed with staff and youth through respectful engagement. The priority is to establish an active, ethical reconciliation process that includes guidance around data sovereignty, consent, respectful, and reciprocal relationship building between parties participating in engagement initiatives. Distinction-based Indigenous worldviews will be cemented within the framework, in addition to ensuring the framework is flexible and fluid. Ultimately, CRE will be a conveyor in delivering meaningful engagement and consultation. 

The framework will ensure that partnerships are both culturally safe, reciprocal in nature and reflective of the CRE’s mission and values.


Guiding Principles

  1. Reciprocity: Ensuring relationships built are reciprocal in nature and have the best interest of Indigenous youth in mind. Respecting the value in their voice and perspectives. 
  2. Cultural Humility: Ensuring that Network members and partners prioritize the safety of Indigenous youth. Ensuring work is distinctions based and culturally relevant. Focused on embedding anti-oppressive and harm reduction practices in all of the work we do. 
  3. Data Governance: Ensuring the sovereignty and privacy of data collected respects Indigenous rights to their own information.
  4. Additional information will be posted as The Network continues to grow. Each time the Engagement Framework is updated- it will be posted here.    

Join the Network

The Network

We are excited that you are interested in joining this exciting initiative! The Network is open to groups, networks and organizations that do work with First Nations, Metis, Inuit youth. The purpose of this form is for us to have a greater understanding of what you and/or your organization is hoping to gain from being a part of The Network, as well as to get consent from you to add you to our Network membership list. Information collected in this survey will not be shared publicly, and you can unsubscribe from The Network at any time. We look forward to connecting with you and learning about the important work that you do! If you have any questions, please email us at network@canadianroots.ca

Request for Engagement Form

Request for Engagement Form

The purpose of this form is to encourage relevant, respectful, and reciprocal engagement with Indigenous youth. In order for your request to be shared with youth in The Network please complete the following form. Staff from the Centre for Indigenous Policy and Research (CIPR) will be in touch to let you know if your request has been approved, or if there are areas that may need additional information in order to ensure it is a positive engagement process for all involved. Before submitting a ‘Request for Engagement’ please read through our Engagement Framework to understand our principles for respectful engagement with Indigenous youth.

  • Your Role

  • Your Project

    Please select all that apply. If you have any additional specifics- please include in ‘other’. This includes additional information on age, geographic location, specific demographic, areas of interest, and any other detail that may be relevant. This will allow us to ensure that your request can be directed to youth who will be most relevant to your project.

  • Your Commitment

  • Additional Information

  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, jpg, png, docx, .

If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email at network@canadianroots.ca

Once your request is submitted, you will be contacted within 2 business days. Thank you for your efforts to make engagement a more meaningful and reflective experience for Indigenous youth. 

Contact Information 

For further inquiries and to learn about how to get involved in The Network and other engagement opportunities through CRE, please contact us via email at  network@canadianroots.ca