IYMP Day: Uplifting Students and Reflecting on IYMP
Exploring Opportunities at Mount Royal University
On May 22, schools from across Alberta and Saskatchewan gathered at Mount Royal University in Calgary for IYMP Day, a day of connection, celebration, and reflection. In partnership with the Iniskim Centre, the event brought together various high school mentors to celebrate a successful year of mentorship while giving students the opportunity to explore post-secondary pathways and campus life.
For many mentors, the experience began the evening before, as they stayed overnight in the university dorms. Mentors got a glimpse into what it might feel like to live on campus one day, offering them an introduction to university life.
The day officially opened with a land acknowledgement, prayer, and welcoming addresses. Amanda Patrick, Program Coordinator with IYMP, guided the day as MC, helping carry the energy of the event from beginning to end. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to tour various parts of the Mount Royal University campus in breakout groups. Some groups explored the aviation simulator and health lab, while others visited the recreation centre and the Maker Studio, where students learned about creative technology tools and other artistic equipment used to bring ideas to life.
Cultural Teachings and Community
One of the most memorable moments of the day took place outside on campus grounds, where students worked together to set up a tipi in under one hour. The activity reflected the collaboration, leadership, and teamwork that IYMP mentors practice throughout the school year in their own schools and communities.
During lunch, students gathered while Elder Roy Bear Chief shared Blackfoot teachings on Anitopisi and the Buffalo Robe. His words grounded the day in culture, connection, and learning, reminding everyone of the importance of carrying teachings forward to future generations.
Celebrating a Year of Leadership
As the afternoon continued, mentors were recognized and celebrated for their commitment to IYMP throughout the school year. Students received certificates of participation in acknowledgement of the leadership, care, and dedication they brought to their mentees and communities.
What IYMP Means to Mentors
To close the day, everyone gathered together in a sharing circle and reflected on the question: “What does IYMP mean to you?” The answers shared by students spoke powerfully to the impact the program continues to have:
“Being a positive role model and being Indigenous is a good thing.”
“Meeting Indigenous kids in my own community. It is okay to not be afraid of yourself and your culture.”
“IYMP is building relationships with people, especially with the kids. And teaching them our culture — I didn’t get that as a kid.”
“It’s nice to see kids’ faces light up when they see me. It was nice to build a really good relationship with those kids.”
“IYMP means that I get to be a good role model to the kids. It gave me a bunch of friends that were Indigenous in my school. I didn’t realize there were more than 2 in my school. I like interaction with our future generations and making sure our culture stays alive.”
“IYMP watches students grow into leaders. Even the ones who were quiet. Even the smallest ones could become butterflies.”
“IYMP gave me the opportunity to get out of my local area and took me out of my comfort zone. Every time we go on a trip I look forward to seeing the people I met before.”
As the day came to an end, there was a strong sense of pride and gratitude shared throughout the room. Schools gathered not only to celebrate a successful year of mentorship, but to reflect on the relationships, leadership, and cultural connections that continue to grow through IYMP. We extend our gratitude to Mount Royal University, the Iniskim Centre, Elder Roy Bear Chief, school staff, program leaders, and all students who helped make this day possible. We’d also like to thank Air Canada Foundation, Government of Alberta, Jenkins Family Foundation, Storey Foundation and the Peter Gilgan Foundation for their support of IYMP. Most importantly, we celebrate the mentors whose kindness, leadership, and dedication continue to uplift younger students and strengthen communities across Alberta.