Indigenous Youth Outreach Program

The Indigenous Youth Outreach Program (IYOP) is a culturally grounded legal education and mentorship program that engages First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth in exploring the justice system through interactive workshops, mock trials, and community-based learning. Delivered in schools and Indigenous communities across Canada, IYOP builds legal literacy, leadership skills, and confidence while celebrating Indigenous knowledge and fostering relationships between youth and legal professionals.

What does IYOP do?

Engages FNMI youth in fun and collaborative justice-based activities.

Shows Pathways for youth to reach their full potential in all areas of growth.

Builds the confidence, critical thinking and leadership skills of youth.

Promotes relationship development between youth and legal professionals

Celebrates Indigenous customs, practices and beliefs and creates positive connections with identity.

Advances reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Why IYOP?

The Indigenous Youth Outreach Program (IYOP) stands as a beacon of innovation and knowledge sharing for Indigenous youth across Canada. Crafted to address the unique challenges faced by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth, IYOP merges mentorship with youth justice education in a vibrant and engaging manner. By fostering an environment where Indigenous culture and traditions are celebrated, the program not only aims to enhance the participants' confidence, critical thinking, and leadership skills but also strives to build meaningful relationships between these young individuals and legal professionals.

At the core of LEVEL's mission through IYOP is an acknowledgment of the systemic barriers that limit Indigenous peoples' access to the justice system. Statistics paint a concerning picture: Indigenous youth, though only 8% of the youth demographic, accounted for 50% of the admissions to correctional institutions in 2020/2021 (Statistics Canada, youth correctional statistics). Additionally, the representation of Indigenous professionals in legal fields is startlingly low, further alienating Indigenous youth from envisioning a future within these roles.

The lack of culturally adapted educational resources, coupled with endemic racism, colonial legacies, and the devaluation of Indigenous cultures, are formidable obstacles. Nonetheless, IYOP counters these challenges by aligning its objectives with the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, focusing on reconciliation, cultural awareness, and enhanced education and employment opportunities for Indigenous youth.

By doing so, IYOP not only seeks to provide knowledge of the legal system to Indigenous youth but also aspires to inspire a new generation of legal professionals among them. Celebrated for fostering reconciliation and reducing the gap between Indigenous communities and the justice sector, IYOP's long-term vision is firmly rooted in justice, representation, and positive change.

  • “The lawyers taught me everything—I had very little prior knowledge on how a real trial is done.” “This was my first time participating in a mock trial, and I didn’t know what to expect. The lawyers and volunteers explained everything—from how to structure questions to how a courtroom works. Their guidance made it possible for me to step into the role and feel prepared.”

    Anonymous IYOP Youth Participant

  • “One of the biggest lessons I learned from the lawyer who coached us was the importance of staying calm and confident. Your body language and tone say just as much as your words. Practicing and preparing made all the difference in how I performed during the trial.”

    Anonymous IYOP Youth Participant

  • “The entire experience of learning and the legal system, Indigenous justice alternatives and how to do a mock trial was new and amazing... Before this, I didn’t know anything about trials. Through the program, I learned the structure, the roles, and how to think like a lawyer. It was an entirely new experience, and one I’ll never forget.”

    Anonymous IYOP Youth Participant

  • “Perhaps the most meaningful parts of IYOP for me was seeing the kids develop over the course of the program… many of them stepped out of their comfort zones… thus also inspiring me to do the same!”

    Anonymous IYOP Volunteer

  • “It was incredible watching the students go from having a very minimal understanding of the law to being able to write and present effective legal arguments... This experience taught me how important it is to connect and work with Indigenous youth from a young age—to spark their interest in the justice system, make it seem less daunting, and teach them about their rights.”

    Anonymous IYOP Volunteer

  • "This was a huge success for our students and will add to their confidence this year. Things really came together in a way I could not have imagined... This is a very important program, and we had so many highlights today... One thing that really stood out and was remarkable was how the students read and adapted to their roles."

    Anonymous IYOP Teacher

  • "We really enjoyed the program – it is an outstanding opportunity for my students. They were engaged, learned a lot and enjoyed what they learned. I want to express my deep appreciation for all you did Level Justice staff and Program Facilitators – Gchi Miigwech!"

    Anonymous IYOP Teacher

  • Dream it.

  • Believe it.

  • Grow it.

  • See it.

Meet our Program Facilitators.

  • Shawnee Monchalin

    PROGRAM FACILITATOR - VANCOUVER

  • Misko Kicknosway

    PROGRAM FACILITATOR - NATIONAL

  • Vivian Sim

    PROGRAM FACILITATOR - NATIONAL

  • Thomas Milne

    PROGRAM FACILITATOR - RAMA FIRST NATION

  • Brianna Morrison

    PROGRAM FACILITATOR - TORONTO

  • Samantha Craig-Curnow

    PROGRAM FACILITATOR - RAMA FIRST NATION

  • Aisha Abawajy

    PROGRAM FACILITATOR - TORONTO

  • Sarah Schmaus

    PROGRAM FACILITATOR - SASKATCHEWAN

  • Katie McKenzie

    PROGRAM FACILITATOR - MANITOBA

  • Clare Mills

    PROGRAM FACILITATOR - NATIONAL

  • Shawndah Rennie

    Shawndah Rennie

    PROGRAM FACILITATOR - MANITOBA

IYOP Updates.

Posts
Meet Level's New Indigenous Youth & Environment Program Manager, Desneige Frandsen!
Meet Level's New Indigenous Youth & Environment Program Manager, Desneige Frandsen!

We are excited to announce the appointment of Desneige Frandsen, Level’s new Indigenous Youth & Environment Program Manager!

Partnerships for Impact - McCarthy Tétrault & Level working together to level the barriers to justice
Partnerships for Impact - McCarthy Tétrault & Level working together to level the barriers to justice

We are proud to announce our Premier Partnership with McCarthy Tétrault in support of Black & Indigenous youth.

Funder Spotlight: Level Interview with Olivier Chouc, VP Law at CN
Funder Spotlight: Level Interview with Olivier Chouc, VP Law at CN

We had the great opportunity to interview Olivier Chouc, Vice President, Law at Canadian National Railway ("CN"), on CN's longstanding support for the Indigenous Youth Outreach Program.

Constitutional Right to Clean Water for Indigenous Nations
Constitutional Right to Clean Water for Indigenous Nations

The government has a legal duty to protect the constitutional rights of Indigenous Peoples. We take a look at the statutes and caselaw dealing with this important issue, and how they have impacted society to date.

Level Celebrates IYOP Launch in Thunder Bay
Level Celebrates IYOP Launch in Thunder Bay

On January 21st, the Level Team launched our first-ever Indigenous Youth Outreach Program delivery in Thunder Bay. Over 40 members of the Thunder Bay community attended, including a large contingent of law students from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University.

Level's Indigenous Youth Justice Toolkit
Level's Indigenous Youth Justice Toolkit

The Indigenous Youth Justice Toolkit is a resource for Indigenous youth to navigate the justice system that incorporates traditional teachings and youth artwork.

5 Organizations that are Filling the Indigenous Education Gap in Ontario
5 Organizations that are Filling the Indigenous Education Gap in Ontario

In 2016, the Liberal Ontario government unveiled an updated curriculum that would include Indigenous history for elementary and secondary schools. The program was considered a step forward both in the province’s education system and their commitment to reconciliation.

Tea Cimin: Shaping the Path to Reconciliation
Tea Cimin: Shaping the Path to Reconciliation

This piece will focus on the mistreatment of Indigenous women and girls and how non-Indigenous people can get involved and contribute to the process of reconciliation. 

PRESS RELEASE: CN JOINS LEVEL TO EMPOWER INDIGENOUS YOUTH THROUGH JUSTICE EDUCATION
PRESS RELEASE: CN JOINS LEVEL TO EMPOWER INDIGENOUS YOUTH THROUGH JUSTICE EDUCATION
PRESS RELEASE: LSAC JOINS LEVEL TO EMPOWER INDIGENOUS YOUTH THROUGH JUSTICE EDUCATION
PRESS RELEASE: LSAC JOINS LEVEL TO EMPOWER INDIGENOUS YOUTH THROUGH JUSTICE EDUCATION
Inspiring new dreams for Aboriginal youth...
Thoughts about Dare to Dream from an Aboriginal woman working in law
Dare to Dream: Instilling pride and hope for the future for Aboriginal children
How the legal community can help Aboriginal youth achieve their dreams

Digital Curriculum

Our online Indigenous Youth Outreach Program provides culturally-relevant justice education for Indigenous youth.

Access our FREE Digital Curriculum by subscribing here to start using it in your classroom today.

Indigenous Youth Justice Toolkit

We offer a comprehensive toolkit developed with participation of Indigenous youth for anyone to download and share. Find it below.

Subscribe here to receive your FREE Indigenous Youth Justice Toolkit

Resources

Get Involved.

Do you want to bring this program to your community? Are you interested in volunteering or facilitating with this program?