A Few 2023 Year End Notables

2023 was a transformative year for Inner City. It was a year of positive change and sustainable developments for our Association (ICYDA) as we continued to create positive change and personal development opportunities for many of the youth we serve. Here are a few notables as we move into 2024.


50/50 Draw - Now On!

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is currently supporting our programing by sharing proceeds raised from a 50/50 draw that is part of Cirque du Soleil’s theatrical show CORTEO.

The production will play seven shows Edmonton at Rogers Place and you can get your tickets until December 31, 2023 at https://www.rogersplace.com/5050-raffle/


“The building will help provide years of life changing programming for marginalized urban Indigenous youth... and will create a community showcase of energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.”

Inner City High School: A Community Model in Sustainability

Last January, we embarked on a Federally funded renovation of our facility that focused on significant retrofits to add greater accessibility and energy efficiency to our building.

Infrastructure Canada selected Inner City High School as part of the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program, making our building more inclusive and reducing our carbon footprint and utility costs.

Indigenous Services Canada provided significant funding to improve and enlarge our building, allowing us to serve 20% more youth with enhanced facilities.

Ultimately, this investment will create a community showcase of energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. The building will help provide years of life changing programming for marginalized urban Indigenous youth and be a long-term example of climate awareness and energy efficiency to the greater community and to the many marginalized youth that learn and build community in the building. 


A Food And Transportation Focus

Our fundraising continues to focus on support for our Food Program and funding Youth Transportation for participants coming and going from the school. Over the year, we served over 10,500 daily lunches and 4,300 breakfasts to the youth. These meals are provided no charge to those in our programs and are primarily funded by community donations and support from The Edmonton Food Bank. Transportation is generally via municipal transit and by our school van.


Please consider giving one last gift in 2023

Support our Food or Transportation programs and help Edmonton youth working towards their high school education. Your dollars help members of the community help themselves. Donate before December 31 to receive your tax receipt to count towards 2023. End the year spreading hope!

Posted on December 30, 2023 and filed under Community Support, Community Update.

Central Edmonton Halloween Party!

On Tuesday, October 31, our school gathered to celebrate the spooky season! For a few hours, there were student musical performances, pumpkin carving, special snacks, sports and visual arts. Students and staff got into the festivities by wearing a variety of spooky outfits too. Inner City High School is the place to be for tricks and treats!

Posted on November 1, 2023 and filed under School.

Youth Engagement: 5-Pin Fun

This week, our after school youth engagement program went on an excursion with over 18 youth. On Tuesday, after school, Mark and Armand helped youth serve up some 5-pin fun on the vintage wood lanes at Plaza Bowling Co. Our after school programs help youth by providing them with a sense of belonging. The program provides opportunities for the young people to have fun and work together in the school and in the larger community, ensuring that staff members stay informed about students’ lives outside of programs. These activities provide for important connections they may not get elsewhere and help nurture the building blocks that young people need to thrive, to become more confident, successful and productive.

Photos by Mark A. and Armand S.

Posted on October 20, 2023 and filed under Youth Engagement.

'Together We Rise' Festival Benefits Inner City

Our thanks to 118 Street's City & Soul Wellness Collective for (again) including us as the charity benefiting from their Festival's silent auction this weekend. Music, vendors, workshops and more. So fun!

PS If you or your group would like to raise money for us as the benefiting charity at your next event, contact jeff.day@innercity.ca

Posted on October 16, 2023 and filed under Community Support.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, 2023

On Friday, September 29, 2023, we gathered as a school community in the gym to honour the survivors and the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as their families and all others impacted. We commemorated the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and its painful history by being together. Highlights of the day included ceremonies, student presentations, orange shirt giveaways, singing and drumming, a round dance, a feast of Bannock and stew. Live feeds of the event were broadcast by a local indigenous radio station onsite. We also finished intake of students for the last day of registration for fall.

Posted on October 9, 2023 and filed under School.