Successful Grant Recipient for 2023 and 2024 Voices of Future Generations: Empowering Indigenous Child Authors Worldwide

Funded partner highlight
The National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada (NSSHFC) is proud to showcase the exceptional work of Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VoFG CI), a 2023 funded partner and one of our newly announced 2024 grant recipients. This marks the fourth successful grant program since the Foundation’s establishment, led by a dedicated volunteer unpaid Board of Directors—all Sixties Scoop Survivors—who work tirelessly to fulfill the vision and mission of the Foundation. 

The grant program supports initiatives like VoFG CI that center on healing, advocacy, and empowerment for Sixties Scoop Survivors and their Descendants. VoFG CI uniquely amplifies the voices of Indigenous youth, encouraging them to share their stories and perspectives through their creative talents. These young Indigenous authors/illustrators are not only healing others through storytelling but are also educating through shining a light on the dark past of the Sixties Scoop and bringing the history of stolen Indigenous children that were separated from their families, communities, language and culture into classrooms and global discussions. 

By providing a platform for Indigenous children to engage with issues such as sustainability, human rights, and Indigenous sovereignty, VoFG CI fosters a deeper understanding and inclusion of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures. Their innovative approach to education and advocacy ensures that younger generations are leading the way in bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront of global dialogues. 

The NSSHFC proudly celebrates the Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative as a remarkable partner whose work directly aligns with the Foundation’s mission of education to the world about the history of the 60's scoop, supporting healing, cultural preservation, and the empowerment of Indigenous communities.  

Through storytelling, VoFG CI empowers Indigenous children—particularly Descendants of Sixties Scoop Survivors—by providing them with platforms to explore their cultural identities, reflect on their histories, and contribute to critical global conversations about sustainability, human rights, and Indigenous sovereignty

Inspiring Young Indigenous Authors: The Contest


With the funding provided by the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, VoFG CI launched a national writing contest aimed at Indigenous children aged 7-13, particularly Descendants of Sixties Scoop Survivors. This contest encouraged young authors to explore themes such as children’s rights, sustainability, and UNDRIP, providing a space for them to express their unique perspectives and experiences through storytelling. Submissions came from Indigenous children worldwide, using their voices to highlight the importance of Indigenous knowledge, cultural preservation, and the role of their communities in global dialogues on environmental  sustainability and human rights. This writing and illustration contest empowered these young authors and artists to reflect on their cultural identities and explore how their experiences could shape a more equitable future for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike. 

Meet the 2024 Contest Winners: (VoFG CI announcement of the 2024 call for Indigenous Child Authors)
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The 2024 Call for Indigenous Child Authors has brought forth a vibrant showcase of creativity and cultural expression. Thanks to the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation’s generous support, this year’s contest saw incredible submissions from young Indigenous writers. Here are the remarkable winners:
Platinum: Sudnee Wynter Aime Nisyok

Story: The Brothers' Reunion
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Sydnee is from the Ganada (frog) Clan of the Nisga’a Nation and the Haisla Nation in Northern British Columbia. A passionate learner, Sydnee is dedicated to environmental conservation as an Earth Ranger and enjoys a wide array of activities including soccer, basketball, horseback riding, and playing guitar. Inspired by her grandfather’s experience as a Sixties Scoop survivor, her story reflects hope, resilience, and advocacy for Indigenous rights across generations.

To read the FREE PDF or buy the winner’s published book on Amazon
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In The Brothers' Reunion, young Jimmy from the Nisga'a Nation uncovers his grandfather's painful separation from his brother during the Sixties Scoop. Determined to reunite them, he enlists his friends for an adventure that explores human rights, children's rights, and Indigenous peoples' rights. As they piece together the past, Jimmy not only strengthens his family's bond, but finds a calling to continue advocating for his community.
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Gold: Dominic Beardy

Story: Lessons from the Ancestors
Dominic, a 9-year-old from Little Saskatchewan First Nation and Wiikwemkoong First Nation, is an avid reader and a soccer enthusiast. His story honors the rich traditions of his family and celebrates his cultural heritage, with the goal of raising awareness about the challenges Indigenous children face while inspiring them to embrace their culture.
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Gold: Demayani Hernández Hernández

Story: Julio’s Village
Demayani, 14, from Coacuilco, Hidalgo, Mexico, is passionate about languages and cultural preservation. Fluent in both Spanish and Nahuatl, she dreams of learning more languages and connecting with her heritage through storytelling. Her story centers on community resilience and the lessons learned from her ancestors.
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Silver: Donny Beardy


Donny, age 10, shares a deep connection with his Indigenous heritage, which inspired his story idea. His passion for both sports and art, along with his concern for environmental issues, is reflected in his work that blends tradition and ecological themes. Donny is from Little Saskatchewan First Nation and Wiikwemkoong First Nation.
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Silver: Daira Yamile Juárez Mora

Story: Culture Equality

Daira, a 13-year-old from Coacuilco, Hidalgo, Mexico, is a proud Nahua student and aspiring surgeon. Her love for learning and cultural pride is reflected in her story, which aims to bring awareness to equality and the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge.
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Silver: Dulce Karen Hernández Flores 

Story: Guardians of The Sacred Tree

Dulce, 14, is deeply rooted in her Nahuatl heritage. Through her creative crafts and love for learning, Dulce hopes to become a teacher who inspires future generations. Her story emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. 
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‍Quote from VOFG: “Our deepest gratitude to the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada for making this contest possible and to the Indigenous Leadership Commission for judging the contest entries. Together, we contribute to the empowerment of young writers and to the preservation of Indigenous storytelling for future generations.” 

Learn More 

For more information about the Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative, including details about their upcoming 2024-2025 writing contest and past events, visit their website. To learn more about the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and the projects we support, visit our website.
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