Feathers of Hope

Feathers of Hope is a Canadian Indigenous youth-led nonprofit organization committed to empowering First Nations youth through leadership, community development, and health promotion. Founded with roots linked to the Ontario Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Office, Feathers of Hope mobilizes Indigenous young people to create collaborative partnerships that foster healthier, safer communities and amplify youth voices based on lived experiences.

History and Background

The origins of Feathers of Hope trace back to the mid-1990s with reports and inquiries on the challenges faced by Indigenous children and youth, particularly regarding suicide prevention in First Nation communities. These reports led to the formation of the Intergovernmental Network (IGN) on Nishnawbe Children and Youth, comprised of First Nation organizations and federal departments. In 2011, discussions between the Ontario Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, the IGN, and First Nation leadership resulted in a youth forum gathering in 2012. This forum brought together young Indigenous people from 92 remote and fly-in communities to discuss their physical, spiritual, and emotional realities.

From these efforts emerged the Feathers of Hope Youth Action Plan in 2014, encapsulating 15 themes, three main recommendations, and 88 actionable steps aimed at fostering hope and positive change for Indigenous youth. Subsequently, Feathers of Hope has hosted multiple forums, including focused reports on justice, child welfare, culture, identity, and belonging, all guided by a youth advisory body known as "Youth Amplifiers" to ensure Indigenous youth leadership in organizational direction.

Mission and Goals

Feathers of Hope’s primary goal is to provide relief and empowerment to First Nation youth, facilitating ongoing community development efforts related to health, education, and poverty. The organization emphasizes creating culturally safe spaces where Indigenous young people can express themselves, share experiences, and engage in community-building initiatives.

The organization actively works to address systemic issues such as mental health, addictions, family violence, interactions with the criminal justice system, and the impacts of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP). By centering Indigenous youth perspectives, Feathers of Hope strives to dismantle conditions of neglect and marginalization caused by governmental and leadership failures, turning hopelessness into hope and agency.

Activities and Impact

Feathers of Hope organizes youth forums that convene hundreds of Indigenous youth from Northern Ontario and beyond, providing platforms for dialogue, capacity-building, and leadership development. These gatherings generate reports and action plans that guide both community and policy responses to Indigenous youth concerns.

The organization has a strong commitment to youth empowerment, partnering with governmental bodies and Indigenous organizations to promote systemic change. It continues to rally for stable, core funding to sustain and expand programming, aspiring to increase its staff and program capacity to meet the growing needs and priorities voiced by Indigenous youth.

Funding and Partnerships

Historically, Feathers of Hope received stable funding when it operated as a program under the Ontario Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth. However, following structural changes in 2018, the organization has relied on project-based grants and some corporate sponsorships. Recent efforts focus on lobbying federal departments, including Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada, to secure consistent funding to enable expanded and sustained programming.

Significance

Feathers of Hope exemplifies Indigenous youth leadership in addressing contemporary social challenges through culturally grounded approaches. By centering the lived experiences and voices of First Nations youth, the organization fosters resilience, connectivity, and advocacy, contributing to healthier Indigenous communities in Canada.

Business Registration Number: 718262884RR0001