Innovation is thrilled to announce that its partner Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Battlefords (BBBSB) is a recipient of Concentra & Equitable Bank’s $10,000 Empowering Your Community Grant for its Indigenous Arts Partnership Project (IAPP).

The Innovation IAPP is a high-impact, community-driven initiative led by BBBSB in Saskatchewan.

Since 2017, IAPP has delivered immersive, culturally grounded experiences for Indigenous youth and their families, blending traditional arts with modern mentorship. The program strengthens community ties, fosters intergenerational knowledge transfer, and supports reconciliation by reconnecting youth with First Nations and Métis heritage through activities like Powwow dancing, beading, regalia making, and traditional food preparation. This not only preserves traditional teachings but also fosters leadership and skill development. Many participants have gone on to teach others, acquire their own tools, and contribute to community events like graduations and ceremonies.

“We’re very honoured and humbled to be the coordinating partner for the Innovation IAPP,” says BBBSB Program Lead, Renee Sperling. “Each session in our Shared Spaces has been identified as a place of empowerment, reconnection, and inspiration where youth feel a renewed sense of pride and celebration. Youth participants have shared with us the importance of being connected to culture, teachings, and language, the impact of this disconnection on their families, and the unique challenges they face as Indigenous youth. A critical component of the program is ensuring the cost to participate is not a barrier that youth have to navigate – which is made possible through generous funders like Concentra & Equitable Bank.”

This grant amplifies Innovation Federal Credit Union’s commitment to social responsibility, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment, aligning with broader reconciliation goals. Innovation is incredibly humbled to help foster belonging, healing, and cultural connection, which are critical to improving youth mental health and well-being.