b'INDSPIRE PROGRAMMINGGENERATIONSOF SUPPORTHow Indspires programs create an Indigenous community By Julie WildgooseI ndspires evolution over the past 30 years into1. PRESERVING INDIGENOUS CULTURE what it is today has been a unique journey ofAND LANGUAGEsupport, inclusion and reparationone that hasIntroduction to Indigenous languages and cultural created an equally unique community of care. teachings serve as vital conduits for passing down traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and languages Through the programming and events that Indspireto younger generations. In the face of cultural erosion, offers, a students first contact with Indspire can bethese resources become a means of preserving and as early as kindergarten, because they had a teacherrevitalizing Indigenous heritage, ensuring it thrives in who attended the National Gathering for Indigenousthe hearts and minds of the youth.Education (catering to K-12 educators) and imple-mented what they learned there in the classroom.2. FOSTERING CULTURAL PRIDE AND IDENTITYIn high school, that same student could attend Soaring,The R2S programming provides a safe space where Indspires Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gatheringindividuals can explore their cultural identity without for 13- to 18-year-olds, which gives them the oppor- fear of judgment or discrimination. By connecting tunity to explore post-secondary and career options.with mentors who understand the complexities of That high school student could also join Indspires freeheritage, Indigenous students can develop a strong Rivers to Success Indigenous Mentorship program (R2S)sense of pride in their roots, which is essential for self-to access cultural and language supports, attend onlineconfidence and personal growth.events and receive group mentorship. They could also access tutoring (Grades 11 and 12 only) to encourage3. BUILDING SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIESthem to complete high school and improve their gradesThe sense of community and belonging is invaluable to apply for post-secondary education.for young individuals, especially when faced with By creating the R2S program, Indspire did somethingchallenges. These supports foster security and accep-unique; they realized that financial assistance, whiletance, which are essential for mental and emotional helpful, wasnt enough to support Indigenous students.well-being.They also realized that students needed different kinds of support.4. EMPOWERING THROUGH EDUCATIONMentorship programs offer educational support R2S offers one-to-one mentorship, which plays a pivotaltailored to individual needs. Mentors empower role in personal and professional development, andmentees to excel in their studies by addressing its significance is particularly profound in the contextacademic challenges and providing guidance. of Indigenous communities. Mentorship, along withAdditionally, exposure to Indigenous knowledge and wraparound supports like introductions to Indigenousperspectives enriches the educational experience, languages, cultural teachings and safe spaces, is crucial: making it more culturally relevant and engaging.10indspiration2023'