In The News
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Dwight receives the BC Achievement Indigenous Young Entrepreneur 2023
Dwight is honored with the prestigious BC Achievement Indigenous Young Entrepreneur Award for 2023, recognizing his exceptional contributions to empowering Indigenous communities. This milestone celebrates his dedication to inspiring change and creating opportunities for the next generation.
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Breaking Barriers: Empowering Indigenous Youth Employment in Remote First Nations
In an insightful op-ed for The Future Economy, Dwight Ballantyne explores the pressing barriers Indigenous youth face in accessing employment opportunities in remote First Nations. Published on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this piece sheds light on the systemic challenges and offers actionable solutions to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
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Empowering Indigenous Youth: #WeSeeYou Program's Transformative Visit to Seaspan Shipyards
In May 2024, the #WeSeeYou Program, led by The Ballantyne Project, brought 16 Indigenous youth from remote Canadian communities to Seaspan Shipyards. This visit offered participants firsthand insights into the shipbuilding industry, including an immersive experience with Seaspan's Holoship virtual reality platform. The initiative aimed to inspire these young individuals by showcasing potential career paths in the marine sector, fostering aspirations for future opportunities.
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A Night to Remember: #WeSeeYou Trip with Vancouver Canucks and John Tavares Foundation"
In April 2024, the #WeSeeYou Trip provided Indigenous youth with an unforgettable experience at a Vancouver Canucks game, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the John Tavares Foundation. Captured by SEE Media, this collaboration with The Ballantyne Project highlights the power of connection, mentorship, and unforgettable moments for the next generation.
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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…
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Building Bridges through the Ballantyne Project
Q&A’s with Dwight Ballantyne
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#WeSeeYou Day sheds light on life in remote Indigenous communities
DWIGHT BALLANTYNE has lived in Canada his whole life, but has had feet in two worlds that could not be further apart. He spent his first 21 years in a remote First Nation in Saskatchewan, then headed west for city life and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With B.C. now his home base, he has found that few people understand…
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#WeSeeYou Trip 2023: Empowering Indigenous Youth with Unforgettable Experiences
The 2023 #WeSeeYou Trip brought Indigenous youth together for a transformative journey filled with inspiring experiences and meaningful connections. This video captures the highlights of their adventure, showcasing the power of community and the impact of creating opportunities for Indigenous youth.
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Ballantyne Project team visits Southend
A man from the Montreal Lake Cree Nation brought a team to Southend last week to encourage residents to seek entrepreneurial opportunities and spread some Christmas spirit.
Dwight Ballantyne says he started The Ballantyne Project to provide inspiration, opportunity and a voice to individuals living in remote First Nations.
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B.C. man aims to bridge gap between remote communities and rest of Canada
Schools across country to send activity kits to isolated towns for Dwight Ballantyne’s #WeSeeYou Day
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Support for first #WESEEYOU day much better than expected, organizers say
First Nation students at Thomas Haney hosting drive-through to collect donations this Saturday
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Montreal Lake man encourages youth to pursue opportunities off reserve
A man who grew up at Montreal Lake Cree Nation, and now lives in B.C., wants to spread awareness about what life is like growing up on a reserve.
Dwight Ballantyne with help from Denise Trottier has embarked on a campaign called “The Ballantyne Project.” Ballantyne, who moved to Maple Ridge…
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Truth and Reconciliation Day event offers Indigenous food, art and storytelling in Port Coquitlam
Riverside Community Church is hosting an event Sept. 30 in Port Coquitlam featuring Indigenous speakers, arts, culture and food as well as information about residential schools; the event is Indigenous led and organized through the Ballantyne Project.
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The forgotten pair of moccasins for Timber Bay School
“I think he is the perfect example of how you can take action,” said Ballantyne. “I can’t even thank him enough for what he did because it is an emotional story for me and my community.”
He said the fight to get the school recognized as a residential school is far from over. Ballantyne has started the Forgotten Pair Petition that has more than 1,000 signatures, the goal is to present it to Premier Scott Moe in the near future.
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Saskatoon man braving the elements on quest to Timber Bay school
After meeting Toni in September following his Saskatchewan-wide cycling trek, he offered his services to help Toni on this expedition.
“He’s sending the Ballantyne Project videos and we’re going to be editing them and putting the videos together for him,” said Ballantyne. “I will be narrating the story for him; I have the privilege of doing that for him which is what he wanted me to do.”
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Storyteller Dwight Ballantyne Creates Connection Across the Country
“Back when I was on the reserve, I felt like my story didn't mean anything, like sharing my story wasn't worth it. Being vulnerable and opening up to different community members in different reserves, it's a beautiful thing of healing in a way because when you share your experiences, you find that other people have been through it and it's an open door to talk about the stuff that... I bottled up,” Dwight Ballantyne shares, reflecting on his experiences as a public speaker and the opportunities his work has created for himself and others.
