Now in its 11th year, A Chosen
Journey showcases how, at a critical moment in Canada's shared history, Indigenous youth are
stepping forward to reclaim a shadowed history, reshape their
communities, and celebrate their cultures
TORONTO, June 12, 2019 /CNW/ - Indigenous youth are
shaping the future for Canada,
stepping forward with bold ideas rooted in culture in order to
create a new way forward for their peoples and communities. Some of
their stories are featured in the latest edition of A Chosen
Journey, RBC's annual report on its Indigenous
partnerships.
First launched in 2008, A Chosen Journey highlights
Indigenous-led efforts to build sustainable communities; drive
economic growth; and lead powerful change in important areas like
skills and career development.
"Indigenous youth are at the forefront of reconciliation, and so
we at RBC are determined to listen to them and be guided by their
perspectives so that we can offer our help and partnership in a
genuine way," said Dale Sturges,
National Director, Indigenous Financial Services, RBC. "With this
report, we once again affirm our commitment to the reconciliation
journey by sharing stories about all the incredible work Indigenous
youth are undertaking to generate meaningful change for the benefit
of their people and communities, and Canada as a whole."
This year's report highlights inspiring youth who have proudly
embraced their culture and passions to affect positive change in
their community. Some examples include:
- The story of Patrick Hunter, an
emerging Indigenous artist who is using art to more closely connect
with his Ojibwe heritage and mentor his peers who may be struggling
to find their way.
- How Mia Otokiak, an Inuk and lifelong resident of Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, is empowering Artic
youth to be a bridge between Artic science and their communities so
organizations studying the effects of climate change on the Artic
can meaningfully engage Artic communities to address their local
concerns.
- The RBC Emerging Artist Showcase, which enables artists like
Ila Barker to leverage the power of
music and the arts to connect different generations of Indigenous
peoples to their homes, culture and land.
Also included in the report are powerful stories about
Indigenous community development initiatives designed to foster
belonging, pride and inclusiveness, and increase access to
education and economic development:
- The development of Metis Crossing in the Metis Nation of
Alberta, which acts as a place
where people can gather, celebrate and learn about the Metis people
and their unique journey, all told in their own language and on
their own terms.
- Saulteau First Nation's efforts to tackle development and
infrastructure challenges in their community with innovative
financing approaches that allow them to invest in their community
today, without needing to wait for federal government funding and
grants.
- Shoal Lake 40 First Nation's
work to build Freedom Road, a new all-weather access road that
connects the community and its residents to the mainland, and opens
up to them new opportunities for growth and development.
Looking inwards, the report also profiles RBC employees like
Jadelyn Psutka, Jake Karasin and Jessica
Shute who describe their career paths, personal journeys and
how RBC has assisted them professionally and personally, including
providing them with encouragement to stay connected with their
culture.
"Each year, we continue to be amazed by the depth and power of
Indigenous success stories featured in A Chosen Journey,"
Sturges said. "But this year's report is truly transformational
given the ways in which Indigenous youth are proudly taking on the
economic, social and community challenges facing them. We look
forward to continuing to tell even more success stories in the
years to come."
For a full version of the report, please visit
rbc.com/chosenjourney.
About RBC Indigenous Financial Services
For more than 100 years, RBC has been building strong relationships
with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. We are committed to serving Indigenous
governments, communities, organizations, businesses and individuals
by creating opportunities for sustainable economic development
through access to banking and capital, community and social
development, employment, education and training and procurement.
RBC also provides donations and grants that support Indigenous
peoples. More information is available at
rbcroyalbank.com/indigenous.
SOURCE RBC Royal Bank