Indigenous Youth Advisory Council

Youth voices shaping Suncor’s Journey of Reconciliation

The Indigenous Youth Advisory Council (IYAC) is a youth driven council which brings together First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth leaders from across Turtle Island. Through IYAC, youth share their perspectives, experiences and ideas to help strengthen Suncor’s relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities.

Their insights support more inclusive and sustainable ways of working across our business and the energy sector and help guide how we continue Suncor's Journey of Reconciliation.

Overview

IYAC aims to create space for Indigenous youth voices within Suncor, sharing perspectives rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing. The council collaborates with teams across the company, including senior leaders, to listen, reflect and act on issues affecting Indigenous communities and youth. Members act as advocates and stewards of the land, working toward a bright future for generations to come.

Guiding principles

Based on the Seven Sacred Teachings, these values guide IYAC’s work.

Love

Act with love and compassion for all living things.

Respect

Honour yourself, others and the world around you. Welcome learning and diverse perspectives.

Courage

Use strength and bravery to take action and build understanding.

Honesty

Lead with honesty in words and decisions.

Wisdom

Share knowledge from Elders, families, teachers and communities.

Humility

Recognize yourself as a sacred part of creation and of IYAC.

Truth

Speak and uphold truth with integrity.

Strong relationships

Building trust and connection between Indigenous youth, communities and Suncor.

Youth voices at the table

Creating space for ideas and conversations that help guide how we work with Indigenous Peoples.

Learning from each other

Sharing cultural knowledge and learning about Suncor’s operations through open, respectful dialogue.

Growing leadership

Supporting youth as they build skills, confidence and pathways into the energy sector.

Community connection

Strengthening relationships with Elders, mentors, Aunties and Uncles, and one another.

Real impact

Advancing changes that reflect what youth identify as important for their communities and the environment.

A group of people stand in a circle holding hands on a dock adjacent to a large body of water with mountains in the background. They are backlit by a setting sun.

Membership and structure

Up to 14 youth, ages 18 to 35, from regions where Suncor operates.
Elders from eastern and western regions support the council’s cultural foundation.
IYAC meets through annual in person gatherings and regular virtual circles during the year.
Aunties and Uncles (IYAC alumni) may stay connected and join select meetings and events, helping carry knowledge and relationships forward.

Who we are

24 Indigenous youth

have participated in IYAC since 2019, representing First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities from regions where Suncor operates.

Council size

Up to 14

youth members serve on the council at a time. Youth are between 18 and 35 and bring experience from across Canada.

Elder Guidance

Elders support

the council. Their teachings help guide IYAC’s work and strengthen cultural connections.

Cultural Spaces

IYAC helped create

the Sacred Space Kahnaatahpii Moyis (All Peoples’ Lodge in Blackfoot) at Suncor’s Calgary headquarters. A space for cultural practice, reflection and connection.

Year-Round Connection

Annual gatherings

and virtual circles keep the conversation strong. Youth meet in person each year and continue dialogue throughout the year.

Ongoing Relationships

Aunties & Uncles

(IYAC alumni) stay connected. Former members join events and activities to share knowledge and support new voices.

Recruitment

Recruitment for IYAC is currently closed.

Please check back for future opportunities.

Connect with us

For questions from youth or community members, contact:
Email: [email protected].

Crowds of people stand outside the Nikinan Community Centre.

Indigenous

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