About Us
IYMP is a communal, relationship-based, after-school healthy living program. High school youth take on a mentor role to guide elementary school youth in good practices for healthy living. IYMP is rooted in the teachings of the 4 R’s and the Circle of Courage, education models developed by Indigenous scholars to guide culturally relevant programming. High school mentors lead fun activities and offer health snacks for elementary school mentors, all while practicing sound principles in holistic health.
Our programming is delivered by, with, and for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children, youth, and communities.
VISION
To create a world where Indigenous children and youth have safe, healthy places to be, belong, grow, and give of themselves. We seek to build on the strengths of youth and their communities to promote Mino-Bimaadiziwin/Mino Pimatisiwin (the way of the good life) and support their journeys toward self-determination.
MISSION
To develop and deliver relationship-based, communal mentor programs involving Indigenous children, youth and adult allies to nurture healthy, inclusive communities.
IYMP is informed by diverse Indigenous worldviews and grounded in the cultural context of each partner community.
IYMP in Action
IYMP youth participating in Winnipeg Traditional Aboriginal Games (TAG) Day, May 2023.
There is no typical IYMP session, but on average, a community can expect IYMP to run once per week for 90 minutes and deliver healthy snacks, cultural activities, and vigorous-intensity physical activity for at least 20 weeks throughout the school year.
How programming is carried out depends on the community it operates in, steered by Indigenous youth within that community, with support from adults selected by the community. Through the guidance of Indigenous research, programming supports Mino-Bimaadiziwin/Mino-Pimâtisiwin (“living in a good way”) and promotes well-being, cultural revitalization and overall positive mental health.
This program is well established in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and we are expanding to work alongside additional communities across Canada.
Youth mentors practice facilitating activities at Tsuut’ina Mentor training in Dec 2019
Success Measured in Sweat & Smiles
“[We] measure success in sweat and smiles…” – Community Champion
Knowledge Behind IYMP
From program development to mentor training to its implementation, IYMP is rooted in Indigenous worldviews:
The Circle of Courage
The Circle of Courage describes the essentials a community needs for youth to grow and thrive positively. The Circle of Courage sets the standards for what IYMP shall be for its communities.
Belonging
The universal longing for human bonds is cultivated by relationships of trust so that the child can say, “I am loved.”
Generosity
Character is cultivated by concern for others so the child can say, “I have purpose for my life.”
Independence
Free will is cultivated by responsibility so that the child can say, “I have the power to make decisions."
Mastery
The inborn thirst for learning is cultivated with the world. So, the child can say, “I can succeed.”
THE FOUR R’S
Respect
for Indigenous cultural integrity
Relevance
to Indigenous perspectives and experiences
Reciprocity
giving back to the community (e.g., time, volunteer, etc.)
Responsibility
connected to the notion of service within Indigenous worldviews guides the actions needed for IYMP to achieve its goals
Reconciliation
is the 5th R, represented visually by the TRC Ribbon of Reconciliation
Together, the Circle of Courage and the Four R’s guide and ground what we do and how we do it.
The theoretical framework for IYMP was developed by Métis scholar and team member Dr. Heather McRae. It is based on the Indigenous medicine wheel and includes the teachings of two leading Indigenous scholars, Drs. Martin Brokenleg and Verna Kirkness. The inner circle depicts Dr. Kirkness’ Four R’s of learning that guide IYMP. Through its programming, IYMP strives to create an environment that fosters respect, relevance, reciprocity, and responsibility. The second ring describes Dr. Brokenleg’s Circle of Courage. IYMP builds on the strengths, enthusiasm,and experiences of youth to create opportunities for youth to experience belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. The third ring describes the well-being and health-related outcomes that emerge from the inner circles and that IYMP provides: Safety and Stability, Social Bonds, Self-Esteem, and Sense of Purpose.