Canadian Roots Exchange

Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE), officially registered under Business Registration Number 832296602RR0001, is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering relationships and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth across Canada. Founded in 2008, CRE operates as a youth-led national organization, implementing programs aimed at strengthening dialogue, leadership, and cultural understanding through exchanges, workshops, and gatherings[1][3][4].

History and Mission

Established to address the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada, CRE’s mission centers on building bridges through youth engagement. The organization believes that by educating young people about Indigenous teachings, histories, and realities, meaningful dialogue and mutual respect can be achieved, contributing to reconciliation efforts at the community and national levels[1][5].

Since its inception, CRE has focused on facilitating leadership programs, exchanges, and national conferences, where youth can collaborate to promote respect, understanding, and solidarity. The organization is Indigenous youth-led and strongly supports the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, particularly responding to Call to Action 66 related to youth involvement[4].

Programs and Activities

CRE’s programs include:

• Youth Exchanges: CRE organizes multi-week exchanges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, enabling participants to engage deeply with each other’s cultures and perspectives. Since 2009, these exchanges have been key to fostering sustained dialogue and relationship-building[2][3].

• Leadership and Workshops: CRE offers leadership training and reconciliation workshops led by trained youth facilitators. These sessions equip participants with tools to lead community projects and promote understanding in their local contexts[2][3].

• National Youth Conferences: Beginning in 2013, CRE has hosted conferences fully facilitated by youth, providing spaces for networking, discussing reconciliation, and sharing ideas on community-building initiatives[2].

• Rural Youth Reconciliation Initiative: Targeting rural young leaders aged 18 to 29, this initiative supports teams of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth who collaborate on community projects that promote reconciliation and build networks among rural and remote areas across Canada[3].

Impact and Reach

By 2024, Canadian Roots Exchange had engaged over 15,000 youth directly in its programs and supported more than 330 grant-funded community projects with over $6.4 million in funding. These projects have reached upwards of 150,000 people nationwide, spanning urban, rural, and traditional territories from coast to coast to coast[4].

The organization operates teams in several major Canadian cities and regions, adapting its programs to meet the needs of local communities while maintaining a nationwide focus on youth empowerment and cross-cultural relationship-building[1][3].

Legal Status

Canadian Roots Exchange is a registered charity recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and complies with all regulatory requirements for nonprofit organizations in Canada[4].

Conclusion

Canadian Roots Exchange plays a vital role in the Canadian reconciliation movement by empowering Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to engage directly with one another, learn from their cultures, and lead initiatives that foster mutual respect and understanding. Through its innovative programming and national outreach, CRE continues to build a foundation for stronger, more connected Canadian communities.

Note: Canadian Roots Exchange is now also known as Indigenous Youth Roots, reflecting its evolving identity while maintaining its core mission and activities.