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communities were able or willing to navigate these environments. In order to decolonize these institutions, young people suggested creating other mechanisms of access that are not economically based that allow greater access to knowledge, especially in regards to Indigenous content. Young people also felt that the one-size-fits-all approach does not reflect their lives. Students and employees alike felt that they were more able to succeed in environments with some flexibility and choice in terms of length, frequency, and timing of their work. They also spoke about diversity in terms of the approach taken within their programs. Many spoke to their diverse learning styles and spoke highly of alternative schooling programs that allowed for them to be successful while being creative, practicing culture, and being with land. Creating space for Indigenous people means preparing for diverse ways of thinking and being that are non-standardized, individualized, and in the best interest of collective skills development and growth. "We are at this preciphase where Indigenous people are entering the institutions at the highest rate in history. These places weren't meant for us and are actually meant to extinguish us. But I think that we are resilient and there's a renaissance of Indigenous greatness that is happening all across Turtle Island. We are trying to create those future pathways so that students can see themselves and have an easier time navigating these spaces". Recommendations for Education and Employment Institutions Indigenous young people are motivated, resilient, and outspoken about the changes they wish to see in the environments they live, learn, and work. They understand the great changes that have been made in many places across Turtle Island, but they know there is still much work to be done. The following are some actionable recommendations to support your organization in becoming a safer place for Indigenous people to thrive. I. Do Your Homework In order to become understanding of Indigenous experiences, we must engage in research, reflection, and reconciliation. Doing your homework means taking it upon yourself, at both the individual and institutional level, to learn about the history of the places you live and work, and the implications of settler-colonialism on Indigenous communities. Before asking an Indigenous student or staff member to share their personal experiences, consider what may be learned through searching the internet, reading publicly available reports (such as the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada Reports -- see TRC.ca), or participating in a cultural competency training (such as the KAIROS Blanket exercise -- see Kairoscanada.org). Understanding the history of colonial violence in Canada can help to ensure past mistakes are not repeated. It is also important for organizations offering public services to know the history of their practice and the implications it has had on marginalized populations, including Indigenous communities. Becoming aware of the colonial ideologies rooted in our work allows us to make them evident and potentially make them less harmful in the future. Being confronted with our complacencies in colonial violence can be uncomfortable, but is a crucial step towards reconciliation. Future Pathways Summit Report 19

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