Background
The Inuit Circumpolar Council’s (“ICC”) principal goals are to strengthen unity among Inuits of the Arctc region, promote Inuits’ rights and interest their cause on an international level and develop and encourage long-term policies that safeguard the Arctic environment. To ensure that these goals are met, it is crucial to strengthen the ICC’s commitment to fostering the next generation of Inuit leadership.
The future belongs to our youth and generations to come. To ensure the Inuit Circumpolar Council’s and 2022-2026 Chairmanship’s priorities are addressed, it is essential to build capacity and establish the next generation of Inuit leaders in international affairs. The 2018 Inuit Circumpolar Council General Assembly mandated the ICC to “…support Inuit youth organizations and encourage Inuit youth to share and participate fully in all ICC activities.”
In response, the ICC launched the 2018-2022 ICC Emerging Leaders Initiative, which successfully convened youth and ICC mentors on a number of important areas, including in the ICC’s work in the Arctic Council.
The 2024-2026 Inuit Youth Engagement Program follows the model of the Emerging Leaders Initiative while expanding on the materials, curriculum, and in-person practice that will serve as the backbone of the ICC’s international trainings for our youth and other representatives.
The purpose of the program is to secure the next generation of Inuit leadership within ICCs work by establishing a youth engagement program/initiative for eight to ten Inuit youths.
About the Inuit Youth Engagement Program
Running from December 2024 to March 2026, this program is designed to cultivate leadership skills, connect participants with global networks, and provide invaluable experiences on the world stage. Participants will benefit from mentorship programs, training sessions, and international meetings, all of which prepare them for future leadership opportunities.
Program highlights & benefits of participation
- Mentorship programs: Participants will receive guidance and insights from experienced leaders, helping them develop and strengthen their leadership skills.
- International meetings: Engage with other Inuit youth on prominent global platforms and expand professional networks with peers and influential figures.
- Career development: Improve essential skills for professional growth and gain hands-on experience in international advocacy and diplomacy.
Who can apply
- Inuit youth aged 21-35
- An interest in indigenous rights and leadership.
- Speak and write in basic English. (English will serve as the primary working language)
- Weekly commitment: on average 5-10 hours weekly. Will be lower during periods without travel or instructional activities.
- Travel commitment: approximately 20 days in 2025-2026. (all expenses paid)
Travel and educational commitments
Online meeting, date and time
- December 11th and 12th 2024
- January 11th and 12th 2025
- February 11th and 12th 2025
Anchorage, Alaska: 9-12 AM
Ottawa, Canada: 1-4 PM
Nuuk, Greenland: 4-7 PM
In person meeting in Nuuk
February 27th to March 5th , 2025
Additional travel activities in 2025/2026
Further travel required, specific dates yet to be determined (about 10-15 days).
How to get started
Are you eager to embark on this journey? Complete our questionnaire today, and we’ll reach out to you!
Don’t miss this chance to shape your future and emerge as a leader in your community!
Send us your application before October 31st, 2024.