Youth Empowered Speakers Program

Investing in our next generation of language leaders with a program that combines Mentor-Apprentice learning in one of the 36 funded languages and a paid internship at a First Nations organization of your choice.

Are you a B.C. First Nations student aged 18-35 who is interested in learning your language while working towards a rewarding career as a language immersion teacher, early childhood immersion educator or community language revitalization leader? Consider applying for FPCC’s Youth Empowered Speakers (YES) program!

The YES program provides training and paid work internships to pursue your career in addition to Mentor-Apprentice Program (MAP) language learning. The goal of the program is for youth to learn their language while preparing for a career in language revitalization in one of three streams:

1. Early Childhood Immersion Educator Stream for ECE students alongside MAP hours and a paid internship
2. Language Immersion Teacher Stream for BEd students alongside MAP hours and a paid internship
3. Community Language Revitalizationist Stream for students in a degree/program (relevant to their career in language revitalization) alongside MAP hours and a paid internship

Eligibility

• B.C. First Nations individuals, status or non-status, currently living on or off reserve in B.C., 
• Learning one of the 36 First Nations languages in B.C. funded by FPCC.
• YES is for learners between the ages of 18-35 who plan to pursue a career in language revitalization and are enrolled, or will be enrolled, in a post-secondary program (proof of this will be required by June 26). 

How to Apply

Applications are received via FPCC’s Grant Portal. For support with viewing applications and accessing your profile, please contact grantportal@fpcc.ca.

To assist applicants, please read both the YES Funding Guidelines for program specific information and the FPCC Funding Guidelines for information and eligibility applicable to all applicants by clicking on the buttons below.

For those over the age of 35, or under 18, there are additional Mentor-Apprentice immersion learning opportunities on the Mentor-Apprentice Program page.

Recorded Info Session

View the pre-recorded info session below to help answer any questions you may have about the program, eligibility and how to apply.

This document is optimized for accessibility purposes.

Funding for the Youth Empowered Speakers Program is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage as a result of the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Languages Act, and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation through the Province of British Columbia. 

Program Contact

Beckie Wesley

Beckie is a Language Program Associate working with the Youth Empowered Speakers Program. Beckie is a member of Snuneymuxw First Nation. She has a background in Management and Operations as well as a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Email Beckie