By Jay Cumming
At Forward Summit | EAST, held on September 25-26 at Casino Rama in Rama First Nation, one of the most impactful sessions was “The Future is Youth.” Hosted in partnership with Actua, this session brought together Indigenous university students to discuss the challenges Indigenous children face and the barriers preventing them from entering the workforce.
These young leaders shared not only their personal stories but also a powerful call to action for fostering inclusivity and achieving real economic reconciliation.
Moderated by Joel Gamache, Senior Manager of National Indigenous Youth in STEM Programs at Actua, the panel featured four inspiring students: Aiyana Roberts (Ontario Tech University), Bee Dokis (Nipissing University), Cheyenne Sego (University of Ottawa), and Ciara Robison (University of Ottawa).
Each of them had a unique perspective, but together, they painted a vivid picture of the challenges they’ve faced and the changes they want to see.
Cheyenne Sego, a young mother and advocate for youth leadership, emphasized that Indigenous perspectives are often overlooked by the dominant Western economic and scientific models.
For Indigenous people, family and community are central, but these values are often missing from how economies are structured. Cheyenne called for a shift in how we organize our economy to ensure that Indigenous communities truly benefit.
She highlighted how societal structures are inherently designed to exclude Indigenous people and praised Actua’s development of a science program that brings together Indigenous knowledge and Western approaches. It’s a perfect example of how blending traditional methods with modern science can work for everyone.
Bee Dokis, a second-year Indigenous Studies student, took a different approach by emphasizing the importance of language. To Bee, language is key to preserving Indigenous culture and identity. Her dream is to become a teacher, sharing land-based knowledge and language with future generations.
She stressed that businesses need to prioritize consultation and consent when working with Indigenous communities. That might mean having uncomfortable conversations, but as Bee pointed out, those conversations are crucial as we move toward true economic reconciliation.
Aiyana Roberts, a STEM student, tackled some of the economic disparities facing Indigenous people. The rising cost of living is hitting Indigenous communities hard, and education remains a huge barrier.
Aiyana pointed out that 20% fewer Indigenous kids are in school compared to their non-Indigenous peers, and those on reserves are even less likely to graduate high school. She also drew attention to the housing crisis, which affects Indigenous people at much higher rates.
Her message to companies? Create local opportunities that support Indigenous workers and communities. Indigenous people deserve the chance to succeed, and those opportunities are key to helping them do just that.
Ciara Robison focused on the underrepresentation of Indigenous women in STEM fields. She shared a staggering statistic: only 0.6% of undergraduate engineers are Indigenous. That number alone speaks volumes about the barriers Indigenous women face in these sectors.
Ciara explained that geography, financial constraints, and the lack of Indigenous values in education all limit opportunities for Indigenous people, especially women. She called on institutions to address these barriers by making STEM fields more accessible and inclusive.
As the panel wrapped up, the message was clear: the future of economic reconciliation depends on listening to Indigenous youth.
Each panelist offered a powerful reminder that systemic change is necessary—not just for the benefit of Indigenous communities but for the future of Canada as a whole. From creating inclusive pathways in education and employment to respecting Indigenous ways of knowing, these young leaders outlined a vision that prioritizes both equity and sustainability.
The path forward won’t be easy, but as these inspiring students made clear, it’s one we must walk together. The next generation of Indigenous leaders is ready, and it’s time to create the space they need to thrive. Join us at Forward Summit | West Coast for more panel discussions like this one and join the conversation surrounding the advancement of economic reconciliation!