Support the Urban Native Youth Association: A Fundraiser by Soaring Eagle Nature School

What is UNYA?

The Urban Native Youth Association provides “meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth (Aboriginal, Metis, Inuit, First Nations, Status, Non-Status) in the urban setting” since 1988. UNYA centers on supporting Indigenous youth in finding their voices and becoming inspiring leaders. Through their programs, they provide education and training, opportunities for health and wellness, support housing transitions, and offer many types of mentorship to Indigenous Youth in Vancouver. The work they do, and the impact they have is wide-reaching. Today, UNYA delivers 20+ programs, with 175+ volunteers, 100 staff, and more than 300 community partners.

Why are we choosing to support UNYA?

As a school providing nature-based programming for youth since 2009, we recognize that the work of nature connection is built upon stolen Native land, as well as the stolen labour of Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour. We recognize that systemic injustice exists and that we have a responsibility to work toward reparations and equity in resources and nature-based programming. As a staff team, we have reached out to the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) to offer our time, resources, and community to see where we can help the most.

What does UNYA need now?

At this time, funds are needed most to continue their work in supporting Native youth. In the future, we hope to offer programming and other kinds of support to the organization based on their needs and desires.

How can the Soaring Eagle Nature School community help?

With a goal of raising $25,000 for UNYA, we are looking to get the funds rolling in on our GoFundMe page where donations can be given at any time. We will have other fundraising initiatives such as a silent auction, workshops, and other fun ways to engage our community in working together to meet our goal.