The International Indigenous Child Authors Roundtable
Fall 2024
In the summer of 2023, Voices of Future Generations Children's Initiative (VoFG CI) hosted the International Indigenous Child Authors Roundtable, a key event to celebrate the contest winners and their remarkable work. This roundtable brought together Indigenous child authors from different nations, providing them with a unique opportunity to connect, share their stories, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of Indigenous rights and storytelling.
The roundtable, offered at no cost to the participants, honored the creativity, resilience, and leadership of these young writers. It also underscored the importance of creating spaces for Indigenous voices to influence global conversations about sustainability, human rights, and cultural preservation—focusing particularly on UNDRIP and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Platform for Global Indigenous Voices
Through both the writing contest and the roundtable, the Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative empowered Indigenous youth to express themselves, while demonstrating how Indigenous knowledge and culture plays a vital role in addressing global challenges. These initiatives created a space where young Indigenous voices could lead critical conversations about the future, advocating for their communities while contributing to the preservation of their cultural heritage.
By focusing on UNDRIP, children’s rights, and sustainability, VoFG CI provided Indigenous youth with the tools and opportunities to advocate for a future rooted in justice, equity, and respect for Indigenous cultures. The contest and roundtable served as a powerful testament to the lasting impact that initiatives like this, supported by meaningful funding, can have on the lives of young Indigenous leaders and communities worldwide.
A Platform for Global Indigenous Voices
Through both the writing contest and the roundtable, the Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative empowered Indigenous youth to express themselves, while demonstrating how Indigenous knowledge and culture plays a vital role in addressing global challenges. These initiatives created a space where young Indigenous voices could lead critical conversations about the future, advocating for their communities while contributing to the preservation of their cultural heritage.
By focusing on UNDRIP, children’s rights, and sustainability, VoFG CI provided Indigenous youth with the tools and opportunities to advocate for a future rooted in justice, equity, and respect for Indigenous cultures. The contest and roundtable served as a powerful testament to the lasting impact that initiatives like this, supported by meaningful funding, can have on the lives of young Indigenous leaders and communities worldwide.
Looking Ahead: 2024-2025 Contest
Building on the success of the 2023 contest, the Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative is continuing its work for the 2024-2025 year, with renewed funding from the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada. The contest will once again invite Indigenous children to explore crucial global issues through their stories. By encouraging young authors to reflect on their cultural identity, family history, and future aspirations, VoFG CI continues to foster the next generation of Indigenous leaders and storytellers.
The 2024-2025 writing contest aims to expand its reach, providing and even greater platform for Indigenous children to express their creativity and contribute to global conversations. As we look ahead, we look forward to celebrating their voices, stories, and perspectives on a global stage once again.
A Vision for the Future
The National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada is honored to support the Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative and it’s vital work in empowering young Indigenous authors. By providing children with the opportunity to explore their creativity and share their stories, we ensure that Indigenous voices remain central in global discussions about sustainability, human rights, and cultural preservation. We extend our gratitude to VoFG CI for their dedication and look forward to seeing the long-term impact of their work on Indigenous children and communities across the globe. Together, we are uplifting Indigenous youth and nurturing a generation of young leaders committed to justice, equity, and sustainability.
Learn More
For more information about the Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative, including details about their upcoming2024-2025 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.