Young Indigenous Women Empowered Through Leadership Programs

Dr. Trudy Cardinal, a professor at the University of Alberta, has been leading a transformative program aimed at empowering young Indigenous women through cultural education and community engagement. The initiative, known as the Young Indigenous Women’s Circle of Leadership (YIWCL), offers a unique summer program designed to provide participants with invaluable knowledge and experiences that strengthen their cultural identity.

Empowering Through Tradition and Community

Over the past two years, Dr. Cardinal has collaborated with fellow educators and community leaders to facilitate this vital program. “We learn together,” she remarked in a recent interview. Reflecting on her own childhood, she expressed a desire to provide today’s participants with access to the knowledge she lacked. The summer program, which spans a week, invites girls aged 10 to 17 to engage in a variety of activities that celebrate their Indigenous heritage.

This year, the camp even welcomed an 8-year-old participant, who attended with family members. Dr. Cardinal emphasized the importance of intergenerational learning, which is a hallmark of the program. The YIWCL has roots in the Canadian Indigenous Language and Literacy Development Institute, which began over two decades ago under Dr. Heather Blair’s guidance. The original focus was on language acquisition, but the program evolved to encompass a broader range of cultural practices.

Two Camps, Diverse Experiences

With support from the BHP Foundation and the University of Alberta’s Sustaining Indigenous Language Revitalization initiative, the YIWCL hosted two camps this summer: one at the Alberta Avenue Community League in Edmonton and another in Wetaskiwin. The camps were co-created with local participants, ensuring that each experience was tailored to the specific community, rather than duplicating activities.

Managing two locations presents its challenges, yet Dr. Cardinal noted that urban and semi-rural settings offer different realities for participants. “Running both lets us tailor the experience and keep travel barriers low,” she explained. The team hopes to expand the initiative to reach youth in remote areas in the future.

The program has grown to include a wide range of cultural practices, including sewing, singing, and cooking. Participants arrive with varying levels of cultural knowledge, and the initiative encourages the involvement of mothers, aunties, and grandmothers to facilitate the sharing of teachings across generations. “Our aim is to strengthen each girl’s bond to her Nation and kin while showing how our cultures resonate with one another,” Dr. Cardinal said. By sharing knowledge, participants not only solidify their identities but also forge lasting friendships.

Throughout the camps, skilled craftswomen and elders play a crucial role in guiding activities. Young women learn to sing traditional rattle songs and create their own ribbon skirts, which culminates in a fashion show showcasing their creations. Dr. Cardinal highlighted the significance of crafting not just ribbon skirts but also medicine bags, as participants explore their connection to both urban and natural environments.

Currently, the herbs and plants used for the medicine bundles are sourced externally, but Dr. Cardinal emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong connection to the land while accessing Indigenous knowledge. “I’m so grateful for this work I get to do,” she stated. “I really do learn so much. Running these camps each year contributes significantly to my research at the University.”

As a professor, Dr. Cardinal integrates her work with the YIWCL into her teaching, research, and community service. She sees this initiative not as separate from her professional responsibilities but as a vital component that enhances her overall work.

The programming is offered free of charge and welcomes young women who identify as Indigenous, regardless of prior knowledge or experience. In addition to the summer camps, the YIWCL hosts shorter “Pop-Up” sessions throughout the year. For more information, to sign up for updates, or to get involved, interested individuals can visit the program’s official website.