The Mastercard Foundation and Good Influence Films are proud to announce the release of “Young People Know!”

BY GLORIA O’KOYE

On June 16^th, 2023, in Toronto, The Mastercard Foundation and Good Influence Films were proud to announce the release of “Young People Know,” a five-part podcast series hosted by Sam Bird, from Peguis First Nation and Program Partner at the Mastercard Foundation, Canada Programs.

It highlights the voices of young Indigenous leaders about their experiences. This podcast explores the principles of effective, meaningful, and genuine youth engagement. It went live on June 20^th, 2023.

Oftentimes the voices from different communities and the voices of the youth get overlooked and not taken into account when it comes to various issues. In a society that acts as gatekeepers and censors the truth of the youth, this podcast is refreshing to see that there are still folks that will do what they can to get their voices out in public.

Each episode highlights the youth leaders on how to value individual perspectives on youth councils and advocacy while informing and breaking down that there are many proactive ways to get involved in the different levels of government.

Historically, Indigenous voices have been silenced and misunderstood, especially in the political spaces, which only scratch the surface of the residual effects of intergenerational trauma caused by colonialism, incarceration, child welfare, residential school, 60s scoop, MMIW (Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women), and much more. There is a great need for youth from indigenous communities to play a part in policy-making to stand for the rights of the people.

The Mastercard Foundation is a Canadian Foundation and one of the world’s largest foundations, with a mission to advance education and financial inclusion. It works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is an independent organization and separate from the company. The Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership determine its policies, operations, and programs. For more information on the Foundation, you can visit their website at mastercardfdn.org.

For more information, please contact:

Candice O’Grady

Public Affairs & Communications, Canada

Mastercard Foundation

cogrady@mastercardfdn.org

t: 416 320 4475

JoAnne Fishburn

Founder/Producer

Good Influence Films

joanne@goodinfluencefilms.com

t: 647 821 2103