A Visit to the Muttart Conservatory

A Day of Learning, Appreciation, and Cultural Resonance

Our visit to the Muttart Conservatory on May 7 in Edmonton was truly enriching for our Indigenous Studies and Science high school students. Exploring the vibrant array of plants from around the world was not only educational but also immensely enjoyable. The tour guide's engaging narration, peppered with fascinating fun facts, added depth to our experience. We were particularly moved by the indigenous land acknowledgment, a thoughtful gesture that resonated deeply with our group. Having Elder Marjorie accompany us enhanced the visit, her wisdom and presence enriching our understanding and connection to the botanical wonders we encountered. It was a day filled with learning, appreciation, and cultural resonance that will be cherished by all who participated.

Inner City High Out and About in St. Albert

On May 21, our students were fortunate to have Celina Loyer lead them on a tour of the Little White School, a two-room schoolhouse, near downtown in Mission Park in St. Albert. The day also included seeing the Father Lacombe Chapel. In addition to the buildings’ historical significance to the local community, students and staff also learned about Metis Nation Building, Metis Famous Five, Alberta’s History, the 1982 Constitution and they even tried their hand at finger weaving!

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The Best Side is Outside

A Day Trip to Camp Warwa

“School trips like this foster a stronger sense of unity within our school community, helping strengthen our core values of trust, respect, cooperation, and non‑violence.”

On May 15, Inner City High School loaded up a school bus and headed out to Camp Warwa, a 23-acre site on Lac Ste. Anne, about an hour west of Edmonton. The outdoor adventure camp provides immersive outdoor education experiences in a natural setting. It allows an opportunity for staff and students to reconnect with nature and each other, building better relationships and just having a day of fun outside.

The school’s kitchen packed lunches and snacks and the day was filled with a variety of activities like canoeing, rope climbing, hiking and more. Nature-based excursions like this are more than just recreational outings; they are a conduit for unlocking creativity, forging stronger bonds, while cultivating leadership and relationship skills.

Incorporating breaks from Edmonton’s inner city and heading out into nature create a deeper, more collaborative atmosphere among staff and students. This shift also helps foster a stronger sense of unity within our school community, helping strengthen our core values of trust, respect, cooperation, and non‑violence which form the core of all our activities. 

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Thanks to Camp Warwa and to all who attended and made the day so enjoyable.  

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Photos courtesy of Inner City Staffers: Francis, Derek, and Kelsey.

Jasmine Delivers School-wide National Red Dress Day Presentation

This year, National Red Dress Day fell on a Sunday so our school could not attend the local Edmonton rally as we normally do. To commemorate the day later that week, a Grade 12 student, Jasmine, lead a school-wide presentation about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in the gym that was attended by about 60 people. To bring personal context to each province's experiences with the topic, she invited three staff members to assist with her talk. Russell spoke about Starlight Tours in Saskatchewan, Elder Marjorie spoke about the Highway of Tears in British Columbia, and Mark conducted a smudge to support her in representing Manitoba.  

““I wanted to acknowledge the Missing and Murdered Indigenous peoples..and educate our school that this issue isn’t happening in one particular place; it’s happening all across Canada. I wanted to take time to honour our ancestors and spread awareness.” ”

— Jasmine

Jasmine said she was drawn to this topic from hearing about it in her classes at Inner City High School. In her own words she said: “I wanted to acknowledge the Missing and Murdered Indigenous peoples. When I was learning about the issues in Indigenous communities, this topic caught my interest the most. Growing up I never heard of it, so it made me wonder how much other people knew. I wanted to educate our school that this issue isn’t happening in one particular place; it’s happening all across Canada. I wanted to take some time to honour our ancestors and spread awareness.” 

We were very proud of Jasmine. Public speaking is not an easy endeavor and this is a difficult topic, as many in our Edmonton school share personal connections to MMIWG. She says she would like to do more presentations about this in the larger community.   

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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