New Indigenous leadership program launches for Saskatchewan youth

Jun 23, 2026 | 4:36 PM

A new Indigenous leadership program is creating opportunities for youth across Saskatchewan through mentorship, cultural connections, community engagement and career exploration.

The Navigating Horizons program, hosted by the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, is open to youth aged 12 to 25.

“We are trying to help the youth find out what they want to do with their lives and how to get there,” said Curtis Sanderson, youth program manager. “I want it to be something where youth can come together, be part of something meaningful, and build skills.”

The program will be offered in Meadow Lake, La Ronge, Buffalo Narrows, Île-à-la-Crosse, Fort Qu’Appelle and Yorkton. Participants will complete about 120 hours of programming, including workshops, community events, talks with elders and online courses.

The six-month initiative is federally funded and will also be available in other provinces, with each province determining how its workshops will be delivered.

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“I just opened up applications last week in the six communities,” Sanderson said. “I have to get about 30 youth participating, and I plan to have orientation meetings in the communities in late July.”

Sanderson said he knows firsthand the impact programs like this can have.

“When I was young, I took part in different programs and they were life-altering and life-changing for me. I want to create that experience for other youth today.”

To encourage participation, youth who complete the program may qualify for incentives, including a group trip to Regina for a Saskatchewan Roughriders game and an all-expenses-paid trip to British Columbia for the Gathering Our Voices conference in March.

A second program will also be launched for graduates, offering an opportunity to pursue a career in finance through funding provided by Navigating Horizons.

Although the program is geared towards indigenous youth, anyone between the preferred ages can join through Navigating Horizon’s online form.

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

New Indigenous leadership program launches for Saskatchewan youth

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