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Excited. Inspired. Grateful… just a few words to describe how we’re feeling after receiving over 75 nominations for our first-ever Community Builder Grant!
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.
This year, as part of our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, Colliers Project Leaders created the Community Builder Grant to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of Indigenous youth to their communities.
We partnered with a panel of Indigenous leaders from across Canada, who reviewed submissions and awarded three Indigenous youths with $5,000 each towards their education, a community building project or a new business idea.
We are proud to announce our Community Builder Grant 2023 recipients: Evan Ramsey of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Bella Desilets of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan and Jaden McGregor of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation. Congratulations!
Here’s what they had to say:
“Creating space is a pillar of community building, and the journey of creating space for Indigenous people is a personal and meaningful endeavour. As an Anishnaawbe and Jamaican individual, I have a proud connection to my Indigenous roots and heritage and a strong desire to honour and uplift my communities.” – Jaden McGregor
“Community building is of paramount importance to me as an Anishinaabe man, for several reasons. As an Indigenous person, I understand the historical and cultural significance of maintaining strong connections within our community. This is essential not only for preserving our rich heritage, but also for fostering a sense of belonging and identity among our people.” – Evan Ramsey
“Aside from her work in helping at community events, Bella has grown increasingly adept at facilitation and creating safe spaces, working to incorporate feminist theories and inclusive best practices into her way of knowing and seeing.” – Bella’s nominator
Stay tuned to hear more from our grant recipients and learn about their ideas for community building! We'll also introduce you to our top finalists, and the incredible things they're doing in their own communities.
Follow along on social for updates and reminders: #CommunityBuilderGrant