Thank You for Helping Build Stronger Communities and Futures

 
 

The Inner City Youth Development Association would like to extend its thanks and gratitude to the NIB Trust Fund (now the Future Generations Foundation) for their generous support of our 'Negan Tepeh' program. Your commitment to this program is instrumental in addressing the profound challenges faced by marginalized Indigenous urban youth in our program and in our local community.   

The funding enabled us to provide crucial resources and supports to create opportunities for marginalized Indigenous youth, helping them overcome intergenerational trauma and other barriers  while allowing them to develop the skills to build a brighter future. 

Most of those we work with suffer from varying degrees of intergenerational trauma. Your funding assisted with our mandate to:

  • respond to the TRC’s Calls to Action.

  • respond to the needs of the youth we serve with respect and hope.

  • provide youth with resources, tools, and attitudes to help stabilize their lives.

  • provide youth with cultural opportunities, to strengthen their cultural identity, traditions, and educational pursuits.

So, again, we thank the Foundation for believing in our mission and for your ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for Indigenous youth, here, and across Canada. Your support has made a positive impact and difference in creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

With sincere appreciation,

Joe Cloutier
Inner City Youth Development Association

Posted on May 3, 2024 by inner City Web Team and filed under Sponsorship and tagged Thank you.

Apply To Our Board of Directors

We are seeking passionate individuals to join our volunteer Board and contribute to the success of our impactful and life-changing programming for Edmonton youth.

“Make a positive impact. Join a diverse and talented Policy Board, and use your time and skills to help us build awareness, opportunities, and connections to keep our mission moving forward.”

Inner City Youth Development Association (ICYDA) has been programming with and for Edmonton's urban marginalized Indigenous and other youth for over 30 years. We are a unique and dynamic nonprofit organization. We operate Inner City High School, an independent Alberta Education accredited senior high school and the Inner City Youth Engagement Program. The Youth Engagement Program contacts youth at the street level and provides counselling, food, and other essential support before bridging them into Inner City High School. The wraparound nature of our programs creates life-changing opportunities for our youth.

Our mission is to provide Edmonton's marginalized urban Indigenous and other youth with preventative social service and educational programs that promote and facilitate independence and responsibility, empowering them to become active, constructive, caring community members.

Our organizational values of trust, respect, cooperation, and nonviolence are grounded in peaceful pedagogies, cultural sensitivity, and community collaboration.

Position Overview

As a volunteer Board Member at ICYDA, you will work in a pivotal role, guiding the organization's strategic direction, ensuring financial sustainability, and championing the well-being of marginalized urban Indigenous and other youth. Ideal candidates bring an understanding of and commitment to the principles of "two-eyed seeing," which integrates Indigenous and Western perspectives for a more holistic and balanced approach to decision-making. Other areas of focus include:

  • Strategic Vision 

    Contribute to developing and implementing the organization's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the needs and aspirations of marginalized urban Indigenous and other youth.

  • Cultural Competence

    Provide insight and guidance to ensure the organization's programs are culturally sensitive, inclusive, and respectful of Indigenous traditions, values, and ways of knowing.

  • Financial Oversight

    Participate actively in financial oversight to ensure the organization's fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

  • Community Engagement

     Act as an ambassador for the organization, fostering relationships with Indigenous community stakeholders and other partners to enhance collaboration and support.

  • Advocacy

    Advocate for policies and initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized urban indigenous and other youth, both within the organization and in the broader community.

  • Fund Raising

    Support fundraising efforts by leveraging personal networks, identifying potential donors, and actively participating in fundraising events and campaigns.

Qualifications  & Competencies

  • Two-Eyed-Seeing

    Commitment to the principles of two-eyed seeing integrating Indigenous knowledge with Western perspectives.

  • Community Connections

    Knowledge of the local indigenous community in Alberta and the demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of marginalized urban indigenous and other youth.

  • Leadership Experience

    Previous experience serving on a Policy Board or in a leadership role with a nonprofit organization is an asset.

  • Advocacy skills

    Strong advocacy skills and the ability to effectively communicate the needs and concerns of urban marginalized indigenous and other youth to diverse audiences.

  • Strategic Thinking

    With the ability to contribute to long-term planning.

  • Fundraising

    Willingness to actively participate in fundraising activities.

A Monthly Time Commitment

If you are interested in joining the board, we need a willingness to commit time and effort to attend virtual board meetings on the third Wednesday of each month for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and some committee meetings.

ICYDA strives to be an inclusive and diverse organization. The board is looking for diverse voices and perspectives representing a diversity of ethnicity, gender, ability, age and the youth we serve.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience and expressing their commitment to the mission of the Inner City Youth Development Association.

  • Cover Letter
    Please briefly tell us why you’re applying to serve on the Inner City Youth Development Association’s (ICYDA) Board of Directors and if you are related to an ICDYA or any Inner City High School employees, and outline what contribution you can make to our organization.

  • Resumé

    That highlights your experience and qualifications including:

    • Business/work experience;

    • Previous Board experience;

    • Past experience that would assist the Board, particularly in the areas of expertise listed above;

    • Previous community and/or volunteer activities;

    • Contact information (including full legal name, address, phone numbers, email);

    • Two work and/or volunteer related references (name, contact information).

This can be emailed in confidence to info@innercity.ca

Posted on February 9, 2024 by inner City Web Team and filed under Board of Directors and tagged Board Community Support.

Board AGM February 21/2024

5:15 pm – 6:15 pm

Inner City Youth Development Association (ICYDA) will host it’s Annual General Meeting online on February 21/2024 at 05:15 PM in Edmonton, Alberta. The meeting is presented via Zoom at the coordinates below.

 Join Zoom Meeting

 Meeting ID: 648 904 3001

PW: Please contact info@innercity.ca for the password.

Posted on January 19, 2024 by inner City Web Team and filed under AGM and tagged Board.

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 by inner City Web Team 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 by inner City Web Team and filed under School and tagged Halloween.