Focus Forward For Indigenous Youth

Focus Forward For Indigenous Youth We develop projects with Indigenous communities for youth to gain skills and work experience.

Our Mission:
To collaborate with Indigenous communities across Canada, empowering youth through locally developed trades-based education to strengthen Individuals’ and communities’ futures. In Brief
Our goal is to facilitate the construction of different projects – like tiny homes or greenhouses – with Indigenous youth in their local communities. We will collaborate with communities that are inter

ested in hosting a project and help them organize the necessary participants where we aim for maximum community member involvement. We will then source teachers, contractors, and resources as necessary, finally bringing everyone together with the necessary resources to build the shared project for the local community. In building the project, students will gain hands on work experience, obtain high school credits, earn apprenticeship hours, and even receive a compensation package for their work. Throughout the process, students will develop hands-on skills, leadership, work ethic, and a sense of confidence that will help them focus forward on a positive and engaged future. The selection of the specific project will depend on the desires of the community itself and will aim to maximize social benefit. For example, remote northern communities – where access to fresh food takes a toll on both heath and finances – would benefit from shared community greenhouses. Alternatively, communities where access to fresh food is not a focus could benefit from a tiny home where reduced financial and time investments are advantageous compared to standard housing. Our priority is applied learning for Aboriginal youth but every project we undertake will also help the community as a whole.

It was wonderful to welcome our funders from Johansen Larsen Foundation and our longtime supporters at North Roast Coffe...
08/26/2026

It was wonderful to welcome our funders from Johansen Larsen Foundation and our longtime supporters at North Roast Coffee Roastery to the program site in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory last week!

Youth participants Erik and Ava did an incredible job leading the tours, sharing what they have been working on and speaking about their experiences in the program. We were so proud of the leadership they showed!

The visit also included a special tour inside the Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre. Thank you to the Johansen Larsen Foundation and North Roast Coffee for taking the time to visit and see the program’s impact firsthand. 💚

A huge thank-you to Jackpine Paddle for helping the youth earn their Intro to Tandem Lake Canoe Skills certifications du...
08/24/2026

A huge thank-you to Jackpine Paddle for helping the youth earn their Intro to Tandem Lake Canoe Skills certifications during our Fort Smith Land-Based Camp! 🛶

We’re so grateful to our wonderful instructors, Cian and Laura, for sharing their knowledge, encouraging everyone along the way, and capturing these great photos from the experience!

08/20/2026

We’re excited to share a glimpse into our Land Stewardship and Restoration Program in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. 🌞

This video captures just a small part of the incredible work and land connections that have shaped the journey so far. We are grateful to our partners at Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na and Wintergreen Studios for their collaboration and support in bringing this program to life. A special thank you to Brandon Lau and Shelby Lisk for capturing the story so intentionally.

Stay tuned for more to come. 🌱

Exploring Wood Buffalo National Park was one of the highlights of our land-based camp in Fort Smith last week! 🦬A big sh...
08/19/2026

Exploring Wood Buffalo National Park was one of the highlights of our land-based camp in Fort Smith last week! 🦬

A big shout out to Helen and Luke, who took wonderful care of our group and made everyone feel welcome throughout the day. We explored waterways, searched for fossils, learned about land stewardship, and connected with each other. We left feeling a deep connection to the land and inspired by its ongoing resilience to grow and prosper even through wildfire season each year. 🌱🪻

-BasedLearning

Our take on the “kinda chic” trend here at Focus Forward! We love what we do. It’s also kinda chic to comment which one ...
08/14/2026

Our take on the “kinda chic” trend here at Focus Forward! We love what we do. It’s also kinda chic to comment which one you resonate with the most 💡🤩

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08/14/2026

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Today we celebrate the incredible Indigenous youth we know! Every time youth show up, try new, things, support one anoth...
08/12/2026

Today we celebrate the incredible Indigenous youth we know!

Every time youth show up, try new, things, support one another, and share their gifts, they inspire us. In these photos, we’re highlighting just a few of the amazing young people who make a difference wherever they go. ✨

Happy International Youth Day! Let’s celebrate and uplift Indigenous youth today and every day! 🧡

The first few weeks in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory have been full of hands-on learning! Youth have been building nesting...
08/04/2026

The first few weeks in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory have been full of hands-on learning! Youth have been building nesting boxes and raised garden beds, completing land restoration work, and taking some time to relax at the lake. They have been learning alongside the wonderful facilitators from Wintergreen Studios and Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na. Stay tuned to see what else they get up to this summer! 🌱🔨

07/31/2026
Join Focus Forward, The Northwest Territories/Nunavut Council of Friendship Centres & Uncle Gabe's Friendship Centre for...
07/28/2026

Join Focus Forward, The Northwest Territories/Nunavut Council of Friendship Centres & Uncle Gabe's Friendship Centre for a 4-day Traditional Skills Camp in Fort Smith, NT! 🌞

Activities include canoe safety certification, land-based activities, post-secondary education connections, employability and life skills workshops and more!

WHO: Indigenous youth ages 15-29
WHAT: 4-day traditional skills camp
WHEN: August 10-13, 2026 (Monday-Thursday)
WHERE: Fort Smith, NT

Free to attend! Register here: https://forms.gle/DwFYoSgbwUSjbuw49

Address

Inuvik, NT

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