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Opportunities for Youth

Gathering Our Voices

Gathering Our Voices (GOV) is a youth event held annually in B.C. The event is co-hosted by the BCAAFC and the Provincial Aboriginal Youth Council (PAYC). The BCAAFC-PAYC has hosted 17 annual Indigenous Youth Leadership Trainings – starting in 1999 with over 100 delegates – in communities across B.C., including Prince George, Nanaimo, Vancouver, Kamloops, Victoria, Kelowna, Prince Rupert, Penticton, Richmond, and Port Alberni. Since then, it has grown immensely and continues to grow, where we anticipate over 1000 delegates each year.

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Since GOV began, the goal for the leadership training has been simple and unwavering: Provide Indigenous youth with the tools to work towards a better tomorrow by improving themselves and the world in which they live.

Over the course of four days, delegates ages 14 to 24 gather from across Canada to participate in ceremonies, workshops and engaging, informative, and educational experiences.

We are thrilled to host GOV 2025 on the territory of the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, ne7élye ne Secwepemcúlecw (Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc territory, situated within the unceded ancestral lands of the Secwépemc Nation)!

We are grateful to Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) for their knowledge and collaboration as we work to create a memorable, fun, and safe event where culture is embedded every step of the way.

Visit gatheringourvoices.ca for more information, sign up for our newsletter, or follow @GatheringOurVoices to stay updated on registration details, openings for vendors/sponsors/workshop hosts, and much more!

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Indigenous Youth Living in BC: We want your feedback!

The BCAAFC is looking for Indigenous youth (ages 14 to 24) living in BC to provide feedback on projects and initiatives happening within the BC Friendship Centre Movement.

If this is something that interests you, please complete the registration form to receive information on future opportunities (online surveys, virtual engagement sessions, etc.).

Participants are provided a small honorarium for their time. Thank you for your support!

Education Resources Administered by BCAAFC

Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP)

The Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) provides eligible First Nations students with funding to access education opportunities at the post-secondary level, including university and college entrance preparation programs.

First Citizens Fund (FCF) Student Bursary Program

The First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program provides financial awards to Indigenous students enrolled in post-secondary education.