Spotlight on four OYEP youth in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21, 2019

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Project Learning Tree Canada (PLT Canada) are proud to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day by shining a spotlight on four bright, talented and motivated young men and women who have found fulfilling summer jobs through PLT Canada’s Green Jobs initiative and the Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP). SFI and PLT Canada are proud supporters of OYEP and of all the amazing Indigenous youth, like Sage, Lucas, Sarah, and Destiny that OYEP empowers to become the next generation of forestry and community leaders.

Sage Moses

Sage Moses is from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg in northern Ontario and a Crew Leader with the Outland Youth Employment Program. When she’s not inspiring other First Nation youth through her Green Job with OYEP, Sage is completing her post-secondary studies in Native Child and Family Services so she can continue working with Indigenous youth and help them set their lives in a positive direction.

Lucas Rioux-DePerry

Lucas Rioux-DePerry is from Ginoogaming First Nation in northern Ontario and a Crew Leader with the Outland Youth Employment Program. Through his Green Job with OYEP, Lucas discovered his passion for inspiring and supporting other Indigenous young people. During the school year, Lucas is a Recreation Worker at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School in Thunder Bay, which serves First Nation students from rural and remote northern Ontario reserves.

Destiny Edwards is a powwow dancer and avid volunteer from Nibinamik First Nation in northern Ontario. This summer, she is also pursuing a Green Job as a second-year Ranger in the Outland Youth Employment Program. After completing her studies at the Matawa Education Centre, Destiny hopes to continue onto a post-secondary program in a field that she loves. SFI and PLT Canada are proud to support young leaders like Destiny in achieving their education and career aspirations, through the Green Jobs in Green Spaces initiative.

About the Outland Youth Employment Program

OYEP is a local, community-driven initiative that works towards equity and opportunity for Indigenous Youth through land-based education, training and work opportunities. It boasts a network of over 500 graduates from 71 communities across Canada and is an important partner in helping PLT Canada in its mission of developing future forest and conservation leaders.PLT Canada’s Green Jobs initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy.