We have been silenced
for too long,
placed into boxes
we didn’t create.
We are The Ballantyne Project, created to support young Indigenous Peoples on their journey, uplift them, and help them regain their voices.
“My life had just begun, at the age of 21.”
Dwight Ballantyne
we see you, because we are you
For my first 21 years I grew up in Montreal Lake Cree Nation, a northern Saskatchewan reserve with a population of 1,200. The only buildings we had were a band office, school, health center, arena and convenience store/gas station. I grew up feeling invisible and not understanding why I did not have access to the same resources and opportunities as other Canadian youth.
Many are unaware of the unique challenges Indigenous youth living in northern and/or remote First Nations face.
Dwight Ballantyne founded The Ballantyne Project in 2019 to change that.
Justice
Indigenous youth made up 46% of admissions to correctional services in 2016-17 while making up only 8% of the youth population.
Home
In Canada, 52.2% of children in foster care are Indigenous, but account for only 7.7% of the child population according to Census 2016.
Suicide
The suicide rate among Indigenous youth aged 15-24 is 5 to 6 times the rate seen in the general Canadian population.
Security
Results from the 2011 National Household Survey show that 38% of Indigenous children in Canada live in poverty, compared to 7% for non-Indigenous children.
OUR MISSION:
Amplify the unheard
voices of Indigenous Youth
The Ballantyne Project is a collective of revolutionaries looking to break through barriers and build bridges that connect us to our futures.
Through workshops, partnerships, campaigns and talks we work tirelessly to create valuable experiences and educational opportunities that support Indigenous youth first.
How The Ballantyne Project Works
Build a relationship + establish trust with a First Nation
Listen to + learn about the needs of that First Nation
Find the right partners to activate projects that fulfill those needs
Grow + maintain those projects to ensure long-term success
25+ Remote communities REACHED
14,000+lbs of food delivered
10,000+ students presented TO
25+ Remote communities REACHED 14,000+lbs of food delivered 10,000+ students presented TO
#WESEEYOU trips
The Ballantyne Project has also designed ALL INCLUSIVE educational and life experience trips to Vancouver, BC for Indigenous youth from remote and northern First Nations in Canada.
Our #WeSeeYou Trips are offered several times a year, Typically in the Spring & Fall
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Are you a youth aged 15-18 living in a northern Indigenous community in Canada? The Ballantyne Project invites you to apply for the Spring 2025 #WeSeeYou Trip, a one-week journey to Vancouver, BC, with a focus on culinary arts.
This fully funded experience will immerse you in the world of cooking and baking. You'll have the chance to work hands-on alongside a professional chef in a commercial kitchen, gaining valuable skills and insights. Additionally, you’ll meet inspiring small business owners who will share their stories, giving you a glimpse into what it’s like to pursue a culinary career or run your own bakery or restaurant.
Seats are limited, and participation is free!
Bring a chaperone and get ready for an unforgettable week.
SIGN UP NOW -
Each trip will focus on various educational and life experiences and include
Hotel accommodation
Transportation
Meals
Excursions
Youth will be selected from remote and northern Indigenous communities from across Canada through an application process.
Want to sign up for an upcoming trip?
We are accepting applications for our upcoming SPRING 2025 #WeSeeYou Culinary Trip
In 2023, The Ballantyne Project was honoured to receive the BC Achievement Indigenous Business Award.
Watch to learn more about the WeSeeYou Trips and the powerful impact they’ve had
