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We are proud to announce the 2024 Community Builder Grant recipients!
Colliers Project Leaders’ Community Builder Grant › › is an annual award that celebrates and acknowledges the contributions of Indigenous youths to their communities.
Each year, we partner with a panel of Indigenous leaders from across Canada, who review the submissions and select three Indigenous youths to award $5,000 each towards their education, a community-building project or a new business idea.
With this grant, we aspire to help:
- Celebrate and acknowledge existing contributions to community-building;
- Empower and enable the pursuit of ongoing community leadership activities;
- Motivate and inspire other Indigenous youth community leaders by sharing the grant recipients’ paths and stories.
Thank you to everyone who helped get the word out to as many deserving individuals as possible! We heard from an inspiring group of youth from coast to coast – all with unique and impactful ideas for community building.
Please join us in congratulating the 2024 Community Builder Grant recipients:
Tony Dennis
Adams Lake, BC
Tony brings people together to reconnect with the land, preserve traditional practices, and inspire youth to care for the environment.
“Tony puts time into the young community members by being involved and curious about the things happening around his community. He takes time, whether through work or personal time to engage those that are interested by taking them out on the land and sharing his knowledge that he’s gained in his learned experiences.” – Tony’s nominator
Jamie Thomas
Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation, YT
Jamie is a future doctor who advocates for equitable access to culturally safe healthcare and the sharing of traditional knowledge.
“Growing up harvesting traditional plant medicines with my Elders I found my passion for healing and bringing people together. There is a lack of Indigenous representation and cultural safety in healthcare contributing to health inequities in Indigenous communities. I continue to advocate for equitable access to healthcare for all Indigenous communities.”
Ethan Paul
Membertou First Nation, NS
Ethan empowers the next generation to embrace their Indigenous identity, making traditional practices more accessible.
“Fostering strong community bonds nurtures a sense of belonging and security. It empowers individuals by providing them with a network of support, which is crucial for personal and communal growth. This interconnectedness not only strengthens social ties but also builds a foundation of empathy and understanding that is essential for addressing common challenges.”
Stay tuned! We'll be sharing more about the grant recipients and shining a spotlight on the finalists, showcasing the incredible work they're doing in their communities.
Follow along on social for updates and reminders: #CommunityBuilderGrant ›
Hear from last year's winners
In 2023, we heard from inspiring individuals from coast-to-coast – all with unique and impactful ideas for community building. These community builders stood out because of their stories and determination to create a meaningful and lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
Learn more › about their paths and stories.
Jaden McGregor
Jaden has a specific goal of offering flight training to Indigenous students. By creating new pathways for future generations, Jaden wants to encourage Indigenous participation in non-traditional fields and inspire others to follow their dreams.
Representation is crucial, and I want to break down barriers. I want them to see someone like themselves in the aviation industry and feel a sense of belonging.”
I hope to inspire Indigenous youth by encouraging them to go to different Indigenous nations and learn and build connections.”
Bella Desilets
Bella plans to open her own safe, Indigenous travel business and become a youth travel coordinator for Indigenous youth to help them explore the world. Bella believes offering unique travel experiences and learning about different cultural histories will help Indigenous youth consider themselves global citizens.
Evan Ramsey
Evan is an Exercise Science student, who runs his own business as a wellness coach – addressing health and wellness challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in remote fly-in communities. With this grant, Evan plans to upgrade his electronic devices, which will benefit both his Indigenous business and educational needs.
The Anishinaabe people have a deep-rooted history and a unique set of traditions, values and beliefs. By actively participating in community-building efforts, we contribute to the preservation and revitalization of our culture.”