In Conversation with Thea Belanger & Sarah Yankoo

To get this blog running, Thea and Sarah have a quick chat about the process of the project.

For Sarah and Thea's bio and social links, visit the About pages.

As a launch point, maybe just share our first thoughts on the project and how it came to be what it is today?

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The exciting thing about this project is the flexibility and how fluid the project is. It opens the doors so wide for indigenous youth in Ontario. Being from Ontario myself, the project really hits home knowing that it came from a source that is open and cares about the communities

The flexibility and fluidity of the project was a really exciting moment for me too! With my own projects, I'm constantly working to meet the expectations of certain funders or programs instead of focusing on the work itself! I mean, it's part of the process to shape ideas to suit new opportunities, but it can be really challenging and sometimes overwhelming to do.

I remember coming to that first meeting (when the project was fresh and seeking input) and just putting everything I had on the table. Being met with such openness and excitement was a really big deal. That kind of discussion can be really challenging and all the partners were super keen and willing to take it on.

Ontario is amazing. & I should also add that the flexibility to include projects that warp borders a bit is super important to me as an Algonquin person. After all, that Ontario-Quebec border was designed to divide my nation!

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I completely agree. Being able to focus on what really matters, no matter where you are and what type of community you're in, in Ontario, is huge. Working with this team of total keeners (read: amazing, fun and dedicated folks) is a breath of fresh air. Everyone has wide spread talent and knowledge of different areas of the province.

The team seems to have a limitless sense about them, meaning were talking to and using our own personal networks to make this a as meaning and full charged as possible

The design and language having so much thought and care is huge. No one likes reading stuffy documents and following strict lines just to do some good for the people around you.

Our partners are growing and taking more interest in issues that are affecting young folks and local communities. Something's got to be said for that.

I've had quite a few jobs or opportunities come around where I felt that I had to 'play the game' and sacrifice some core values to access the funds or networks. And no matter how exciting or vital that opportunity was, I never really felt good or grounded in the work.

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That's exactly what makes this different

Good work for good people and good causes. Everyone sleeps well

Even when I came barreling down with the pent up vibes from those negative past experiences, the team on this project was super receptive to what we could all glean from those experiences. It gave me the confidence I needed to share and encourage others to engage with this initiative.

And to entrust me with what felt like a really big and almost sacred responsibility in designing the site and application was an incredible process..

built so much trust and I am so proud of the results!

I really hope it's easier to navigate and work with in comparison to some other application processes!

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Im so proud of the work, look and feel of this project. And I can't wait to see what applications and ideas come through from it.

Hopefully others will take on these kinds of opportunities to work with our youth for the betterment of not only our communities but our province and canada as a whole.

I'm really excited too! It would be amazing to see opportunities embrace and embody a youth-led model on a national scale. Imagine the community impact just 5 years from now!

I know we've both met youth with amazing ideas that could transform communities if they just had the support they need.

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 Welcome to OIYPP!