Our Approach
Snuw’uy’ulh for Success
We have a goal of raising $10 million dollars so we can activate our dreams and visions of healthy, thriving Indigenous youth and communities.
Vision
Recognizing how culture positively influences their wellbeing and self-worth, Youth imagine continued opportunities to participate in cultural activities and events. The nine Nation communities identify snuw’uy’ulh - ancient Coast Salish values and teachings - as the foundation to living a good life. These voices have informed Snuw’uy’ulh for Success (SfS), four pathways that will ensure cultural support for Youth as they navigate this complex world.
Four Pathways to Success
Youth will be provided opportunities along these pathways through community-generated ideas, to access wholistic programming. The interconnectedness of the pathways will collectively support the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth and development of Youth leading to engaged contributing members amongst their peers, families, Nation, and the larger community.
1. Celebrating Culture
Communities will lead programming and activities that promote the ongoing resurgence of traditional teachings, customs, language, kinship practices, ceremony, and connection to land. This pathway is the foundational building block for Youth to heal, learn and thrive. The increased understanding and connection to culture will increase Youth’s confidence and capacity to walk in two worlds; knowing where they come from to imagining where they can go.
2. Commitment and Consistency
Working with communities, donors, partners and collaborators, KLF will commit to achieving a sustained pathway to support the ongoing wholistic development of Youth. Providing tools and resources to ensure programs and activities remain consistent for the next seven generations; knowing that continued access and opportunity will lead to social and economic prosperity and equity for all involved.
3. Opportunities to Learn and Mentor
As Youth are provided expansive supports, programs and activities that reinforce their ability to learn and contribute to their surroundings, leadership skills and mentoring relationships will emerge.
Acknowledging and making transparent the learning and growth is necessary to validate our collective work or experience; knowing it is each of our responsibility to share.
4. Working Together
Strengthening community, family and peer connections with Snuw’uy’ulh involves following traditions and practices that honors and respects Mother Earth. We understand the interconnected ways for how to live; knowing that gifting and reciprocity among all our relations ensures balance and harmony of our mutual existence.
Long-term Outcome
Indigenous Youth walk in two worlds, with a strong foundation in snuw’uy’ulh. They are fulfilled in their education, work, wellness and family life, and make positive contributions to their communities and all their relations.
This infographic focuses on the depiction of the cultural significance and natural beauty of Vancouver island’s East Coast. At its core, the design highlights essential food sources, such as the wild strawberry, salmon berry, and salal berry, alongside the medicinal Nootka rose. Each of these elements helps to symbolize the deep connection between the land and its people.
Flowing rivers meander throughout the piece, connecting the vital messages leading to the Ultimate Outcome represented by the crafting of a partially complete cedar woven basket. This basket serves as a powerful metaphor for community, illustrating how each fiber, much like the contributions of individual members, plays a crucial role in holding the larger community together. Crowning the graphic are twin eagles that are representative of love, wisdom, and courage. Not only do they represent the strength needed to navigate life's challenges but they also signify a connection to the Creator, bridging the physical and spiritual realms.
The inclusion of a canoe further enhances the narrative, chosen by the youth of the communities, this symbolizes the choice to embrace collaboration and teamwork. Each topic in the graphic is paired with a paddle, reinforcing the idea that every element contributes to the empowerment of the canoe, much like how the community thrives through unity and cooperation. Together, these symbols create a rich and meaningful portrayal of the First Nations' enduring relationship with their territory and the values that guide their way of life.
This infographic was created by Indigenous Marketing Solutions. Illustrations by Bayja Morgan-Banke of Toquaht, Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, and Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation. Design by Sam Brunelle, Slave Lake Métis of the Prairies.