Indigenous students in Calgary will soon have a place to call their own.
CALGARY, Alb.—In March, the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY), a Calgary-based, Indigenous-led not-for-profit organization, celebrated the groundbreaking of the start of construction for the first Aboriginal youth centre in Calgary, which is a significant step towards supporting a vision of success for Indigenous youth now and for future generations.
Until now, USAY, which was established in 1999, has been operating its programs for indigenous youth in Calgary out of rented community spaces across the city.
Through this collaboration between USAY and Indigenous Services Canada, USAY will receive $3,920,000 from the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund to build a safe, healthy, accessible and energy efficient space that will expand culturally appropriate programs and services for Indigenous youth in Calgary. This facility will offer a wide range of services and programs designed specifically to meet the unique needs of its clientele.
At 5,000 square feet, the new youth centre will include a maker-space, a feasting area, a kitchen and a multipurpose room, as well as a rooftop garden where elders will hold teachings about medicines and tradition.
"With the funding from Indigenous Services Canada, USAY will be able to provide a space to Indigenous youth that is truly theirs, and they can feel safe and secure in it," says LeeAnne Ireland, executive director of the organization. "The various features of the building, including outdoor space and rooftop, will allow for cultural learnings based on the land that is difficult to find in urban settings."
The Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) was created in 2001 with support from Family and Community Support Services of the City of Calgary, United Way, Métis Nation of Alberta and Alberta Community Development.
By reducing social and economic inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, and closing the critical infrastructure gap by 2030, Canada and community organizations like USAY help to deliver culturally appropriate services based on expressed community needs.
"This investment will provide resources and programs that promote well-being, education, and leadership among Calgary's Indigenous youth," said George Chahal, Member of Parliament, Calgary Skyview, Alberta. "Now, in a setting they know and love, in a city they're helping to transform positively, with respect for their cultures, they'll be able to hone their skills and move towards a promising future.
