National Indigenous History Month: The Ballantyne Project provides Indigenous youth with a life-changing trip 

This National Indigenous History Month, we recognize the journey to creating an inclusive and diverse culture starts with an individual and expands to our communities. Through initiatives such as The Ballantyne Project, in partnership with the John Tavares Foundation, we are proud to support programs that help Indigenous youth feel seen and included in the conversations surrounding equity and access.

The Ballantyne Project began with the goal of raising awareness of the unique challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous youth living in remote First Nations communities. Founded in 2019 by Dwight Ballantyne, Rogers partnered on the initiative to share Ballantyne’s mission to support Indigenous youth.  

Through its partnership with Rogers and The John Tavares Foundation, The Ballantyne Project was able to provide Indigenous youth with an uplifting experience and the opportunity to create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. In May 2022, nine youth from an Indigenous reserve in Chipewyan, AB, embarked on an incredible life experience trip to Vancouver, B.C. where they got to experience first-hand the culture of the neighbouring B.C. First Nations communities. With support from Rogers, the youth were provided with smartphones and service plans to help them connect to the people that matter most and share this journey with them.  

The hope of the Ballantyne Project is that for many more years, experiences like this will provide Indigenous youth with hope, a lifetime of memories, and the knowledge that they have an abundance of opportunities available to them. Rogers has been a foundational partner of the John Tavares Foundation since its launch, providing yearly donations and aiding in various initiatives to invest in the next generation of Canadian youth. 

As National Indigenous History Month comes to a close, we are committed to continuing to amplify Indigenous stories in July and throughout the year. To learn more about the work we’re doing to help create a more inclusive and diverse culture, visit: Rogers I&D.