USAY supports thousands of Indigenous youth each year. Since being established in 1999, we have struggled with inadequate rental spaces throughout, which have been inaccessible, unsafe, and inefficient, affecting Indigenous youth participation in programming. The rising cost of commercial rentals and frequent moves (four locations in 20 years) have disrupted youth involvement and forced USAY to use community spaces that are not culturally relevant and at time inaccessible, putting a strain on the organization’s budget.
A new space would greatly improve USAY’s ability to support Indigenous youth and strengthen their connection to culture and wellness.