Past Programs.
2023 Programs
Indigenous Youth Employability Gathering
Oct 12 — 16, 2023
Co-operators Community Funds Indigenous Youth Employability Gathering created an inclusive space for Indigenous youth to come together and share their thoughts and experiences related to the opportunities and challenges they face as they seek to gain and maintain employment. Over 4 days, participants took part in ceremony, experience-based learning, and heard from experts and leaders in the field.
Maritimes Explorations
Aug & Oct, 2023
In these immersive, multi-day programs, participants spent time exploring the Eastern and Southern Shores of Mi’kma’ki / Nova Scotia to gain an appreciation for the rich local cultures, histories & ecologies of this land.
With an approach rooted in the Mi’kmaw concept of Etuaptmumk, or two-eyed seeing, youth gained knowledge of the Wabanaki forest and Atlantic coastal ecosystems while building skills in Treaty rights, climate resilience and sustainable living.
Rockies Journey
Jul 2 — 7, 2023
In partnership with Connect Charter, we delivered our first Journey program for high school aged youth. This experience provided participants with the opportunity to reconnect with themselves, with nature, and with community through outdoor experiences with incredible partner organizations like Soul of Miistaki, Spirit North and Canmore Counselling Yoga.
Rockies Semester
Jan — Apr, 2023
Our first ever Howl Semester brought together young leaders from across Canada for four months in the Canadian Rockies. Participants gained skills for a sustainable life, volunteer experience, received entrepreneurship training and got immersed into the Bow Valley community.
This program was made possible with support from Cooperators and Suncor Energy Foundation.
2022 Programs
Rockies Exploration
Sep 21 — 27, 2022
In partnership with Telus Spark, the University of Calgary, and the Nakoda Youth Council, program participants supported the Tipis and Telescopes celebration. Throughout the week, youth learned from Cree Knowledge Keeper and star lore expert Wildfred Buck, Indigenous scientists from NASA and MIT, and other experts in the fields of conservation, climate change, and Traditional Knowledge.
This program was made possible with support from The Cooperators.
Yukon Exploration
Aug 5 — 14, 2022
Based out of the Kluane Lake Research Station, participants of this program gained the following: an interest in Arctic science, exposure to Indigenous knowledge and education, the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and ultimately gain a better understanding of their place in the world.
Learn more about our summer 2025 Yukon Exploration trips by clicking here.
Yukon Exploration
Jul 18 — 29, 2022
Youth from across Canada made their way to Kluane Lake to support with a wide array of volunteer projects, including trail building, renovations of the teaching spaces and common areas and supporting research projects. Participants volunteered the equivalent of 30 hours per week, gaining experience by helping to build the education programs at the Research Station.
This program was made possible with support from Chantiers Jeunesse.
Rockies Exploration
Jun 13 — 22, 2022
Over 10 days, youth met and worked with community leaders of all types — from scientists to entrepreneurs and Traditional Knowledge Keepers on local projects. We curated experiences and learning opportunities that allowed the youth participants to gain a better sense of themselves and their place in their home communities.
This program was made possible with support from TD and Chantiers Jeunesse.
Rockies Exploration
Mar 17 — 22, 2022
Our first ever Howl program brought together young leaders from United Nations Association in Canada’s Science and Technology Internship Program for a whirlwind experience in the Canadian Rockies. Participants learned about natural resource management, climate science, personal resilience strategies, civic engagement and more.
This program was made possible with support from UNAC.