This fund supports the Warrior Program, an Indigenous youth leadership program established in 2015 that is now hosted in six Nuu-chah-nulth communities. The Program weaves traditional and mainstream leadership and wellness teachings and practices together on the land to build capability, cultural pride and confidence in young men. Learn more in this video about the program model. You can also read more about the history of how the program developed.
Typically, the Warriors meet one night per week in community, and one weekend per month on the land in remote parts of their territory. On weeknights Warriors learn a variety of skills and provide support to Elders and community members with yard work around their homes and wherever else they may be needed. Weekend training not only provides the young men with opportunities to apply the traditional knowledge and survival skills that they have learned on weeknights, but also to nurture their ability to lead small teams of younger Warriors.
Warrior activities are planned and directed by the youth themselves. Warrior activities have included: