Next Up, a national youth leadership program focusing on social and environmental justice, has announced the launch of a program specifically to build the skills of emerging activists in Aboriginal communities. 

Next Up:  First Nations, Métis & Inuit Youth in Action will run July 9th- 13th 2014 at the Core Neighbourhood Youth Coop (CNYC) in Saskatoon. 

"We see the need for change," says Max FineDay, a graduate of the original Next Up Program & a Co-ordinator of the new summer program. "This program will help gives skills to First Nations and Métis youth activists who are looking for change in their communities."

First Nations and Métis peoples are the fastest growing populations in Saskatchewan but often have the lowest quality of life. The summer program is designed for 18-32 year old Aboriginal youth who are already involved in making their communities better. The program will help participants gain new skills to take their leadership to the next level. 

"I likely wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't gone through the Next Up program,"says FineDay, who is also the Student Union president at the University of Saskatchewan. "t gave me the skills to enact change in my community, and I want others to have that same opportunity. In contrast to the seven-month program, this five-day intensive program will be more accessible for participants with children, and people from reserve communities, among others."

The application deadline for the summer program is May 16 and the program is open to Aboriginal youth from across Saskatchewan between the ages of 18 and 32 who are committed to social and environmental justice. Next Up is grateful for the support of Saskatoon Health Region and Multicultural Organization of Saskatchewan for making this program possible.