Pilot: BC/YT Young Indigenous Leaders Exchange Program to the Indo-Pacific region in 2026

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and BC/YT First Nations partners are creating a pilot in 2026 to give young First Nation leaders from BC and the Yukon a transformational experience in the Indo-Pacific that will:

Nations, communities, businesses will nominate individuals; Advisory Circle will select up to 24 individuals (divided into three groups).
Two Advisory Circle members and one government official will lead each group’s trip to the Indo-Pacific.
Participants will work on projects (to be confirmed by the Advisory Circle with partners’ input); participants will present findings and recommendations to partners and sponsors at the final phase.
Participants will have access to a national network of mentors.

Design

Nations, communities, businesses will nominate individuals; Advisory Circle will select up to 24 individuals (divided into three groups).
Two Advisory Circle members and one government official will lead each group’s trip to the Indo-Pacific.
Participants will work on projects (to be confirmed by the Advisory Circle with partners’ input); participants will present findings and recommendations to partners and sponsors at the final phase.
Participants will have access to a national network of mentors.

Activities and Timeline

Nominations due: January 29, 2025
- Submit nominations to pilot@bccoe.ca
- Participants will be chosen by early February 2026
Phase 1: Orientation (March, 1 week)
- Introductions, meeting, and briefings in BC and Ottawa with Indigenous leaders, Canada, and foreign missions.
Phase 2: In-region experience
- Travel to and build connections in the Indo-Pacific (three weeks).
- Work on projects
Phase 3: Reporting (Fall, 3 days)
- Share experiences and build network.
- Present project findings to FN leaders, partners, and sponsors.

Advisory Circle

Kluane AdamekFormer Regional Chief, AFN Yukon

Kluane First Nation (YT)

Derek EppChief; Chairperson, First Nations Finance Authority

Ch’iyaqtel First Nation (BC)

Erralyn JosephCouncillor; President, Petroglyph Development Grp

Snuneymuxw First Nation (BC)

Lea Nicholas-MacKenzieMember, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Wəlastəkwey Nation (NB)

Harlan SchillingDeputy Chief; CEO, BC First Nations Centre of Excellence

Daylu Dena (BC)

Angela WesleySenior Advisor, Maa-nulth; Former BC Treaty Commissioner

Huu-ay-aht First Nations (BC)

GAC: Keith Smith, Canada’s High Commissioner in New Zealand (Thessalon First Nation, ON)
Kingson Lim (Pilot Lead), Keltie Patterson (Cree-Métis, SK)
Secretariat: BC First Nations Centre of Excellence for Economic Development

Who can be nominated to the Pilot?:

BC/YT First Nation members aged 21-30; and

(1) Attending post-secondary education; or
(2) Working in business, in academia, for Nations/communities (including their affiliated entities), or serving on Council; or
(3) Have demonstrated leadership in cultural knowledge and trade or international relations.

Cost to nominators and participants:

Pilot’s total estimated cost is $700,000.
Nominators will contribute $20,000 to cover each confirmed participant’s costs, including travel and accommodation.
Participants will make a nominal contribution ($250).

Sponsorships:

Sponsorships will cover one-third of Pilot costs. If more funds are obtained, they will be used to defray Nominator’s costs.
In-kind donations could include meeting space, accommodations, and hospitality.
GAC’s FY25-26 contribution is confirmed.

Sponsors and nominators with confirmed participants will:

Be able to suggest projects/questions for the Advisory Circle’s consideration.
Be invited to meet and brief all participants.
Receive an invitation to be present for all final presentations and a copy of final reports.

For more information, including how to nominate a young leader or to sponsor the Pilot,
please e-mail: pilot@bccoe.ca