Telegraph Creek · Youth / Elder volunteer program

Story Warriors
In The Community.

Indigenous youth supporting Indigenous Elders. Practical help, shared time and relationships that carry teachings between generations.

Image placeholderYouth helping Elders
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Image placeholderSharing a community meal
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Image placeholderListening & learning
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Help begins with a relationship.

Everyday support

Youth can help with yard work, firewood, snow removal, grocery runs, technology and companionship. Tasks are matched through the program.

Time to connect

A visit is also a chance to listen. Elders choose whether to share stories, teachings or language; practical support does not depend on sharing a story.

Youth leadership

Young people build reliability, responsibility and communication skills while strengthening their relationships with Elders.

How the program is designed to work.

  1. Ask for help. An Elder, family member or caregiver submits a request to the Program Coordinator.
  2. Prepare youth volunteers. Recruitment and screening are followed by mandatory safety and cultural-protocol orientation.
  3. Make a thoughtful match. The Coordinator considers the task, location and relationship fit.
  4. Serve, connect and learn. Youth contribute practical help and companionship, with an Elder Advisory Circle providing cultural guidance.
  5. Recognize the contribution. The program plan includes a $20-per-hour educational honorarium accumulated toward an iPad for schoolwork and digital learning.

The first-year program is seeking funding. Participation, scheduling and educational incentives are subject to launch arrangements; contact the team for current availability.

A strong beginning.

At the first Youth/Elder Dinner in Telegraph Creek, youth prepared and served a meal, then sat with Elders to hear their stories. The program aims to carry that connection into everyday community life throughout the year.

Read about the dinner

Find your way to take part.

Youth, Elders and families can visit the program’s dedicated website or contact the team to ask about getting involved.

Visit the Story Warriors portalAsk about participatingSupport the program