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:

  • Build life-long Indigenous to Indigenous and Indigenous to non-Indigenous connections in diplomacy, culture, business, and academia.
  • Establish a network between young leaders, and with current and future leadership and influencers.
  • Bring knowledge and experiences back to benefit Nations, communities, and businesses now and in the future.

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 Timelines

  • Nominations due: December 23, 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

The Advisory Circle is composed of six First Nations leaders in BC and the Yukon who have significant experience in international affairs; economic development; national / regional representation and advocacy; government administration; rights and Treaty rights; academia; and/or business.

Kluane Adamek

Kluane First Nation (YT)

Former Regional Chief,
AFN Yukon

Derek Epp

Ch’iyaqtel First Nation (BC)

Chief; Chairperson,
First Nations Finance Authority

Erralyn Joseph

Snuneymuxw First Nation (BC)

Councillor; President, Petroglyph Development Grp

Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie

Wəlastəkwey
Nation (NB)

Member, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Harlan Schilling

Daylu Dena (BC)

Deputy Chief; CEO, BC First Nations Centre of Excellence

Angela Wesley

Huu-ay-aht First Nations (BC)

Senior Advisor,
Maa-nulth; Former BC Treaty Commissioner

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 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