Through the Sprout Ideas Fellowship, Kayoung Lee organized a two-day Indigenous Cultural Awareness event for Continuing Care Assistant students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, creating opportunities to learn from Indigenous perspectives, teachings, and experiences. Over 50 students were involved, and they collaborated with Indigenous Student Services, volunteers, and community partners. Kayoung also integrated Elder-led teachings on cultural safety, respectful communication, and holistic care. For many students, especially newcomers to Canada, this was their first opportunity to engage deeply with Indigenous culture, history, and perspectives. Participants shared that the experience helped them better understand the importance of compassion, respect, and cultural safety in healthcare settings. This is what creating positive change through education looks like! Learn more about Kayoung’s project at: sproutideas.org/fellows/kayo…

Composting food waste is a powerful way to give back to the Earth instead of sending scraps to the landfill. 🍎 Every banana peel, coffee ground, and leftover veggie can become healthy soil for future growth. Start small, stay consistent, and track your sustainable actions on Commit2Act.org to see your positive impact! 💚

Sprout Ideas Fellow Robyn Solland expanded Rock On Collective’s “Equitable Outdoors” initiative to create more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming outdoor recreation opportunities for equity-deserving groups. Through a six-month rock climbing mentorship program, skills-building workshops, land stewardship sessions, and culturally informed outdoor experiences, participants developed technical skills, confidence, and meaningful community connections. Learn more about Robyn's project at sproutideas.org/fellows/roby…

Repairing clothes or thrifting your favourite outfits are simple ways to reduce waste and challenge fast fashion culture. 💚 Every stitch, patch, and reused piece helps protect the planet and promotes more mindful consumption. Try repairing a pair of jeans or giving an old t-shirt new life, then track your sustainable actions on Commit2Act.org to see your impact! ✨

Sprout Ideas Fellow Jenna Dong hosted Camp Catalyst, a free week-long science camp designed to empower underrepresented youth through hands-on STEM learning and mentorship. The program created an inclusive space where participants explored biology, chemistry, engineering, and coding while building confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Through engaging activities and supportive mentorship, youth developed a stronger sense of belonging in STEM and meaningful connections with peers and role models. Learn more about Jenna’s project at sproutideas.org/fellows/Jenn…

Inspired by her family, by kitchen parties and driven to share her heritage with audiences near and far, she picked up a fiddle and never put it down again. Get to know Brianna Lizotte in her @‌AConnectedNorth Fireside Chat: firesidechats.ca/video/brian… ✨

Sprout Ideas Fellow Sandtanna Beaton launched Lead Like Her, a multi-site empowerment initiative that created safe, inclusive spaces for women, girls, and community members across PEI to build confidence, leadership, and connection. Through self-defense workshops, youth empowerment activities, and community speaking events, participants gained tools for self-advocacy, resilience, and personal growth while fostering meaningful intergenerational and community relationships. Learn more about Sandtanna’s project at sproutideas.org/fellows/Sand…

Warm weather is finally here! ☀️🌿 What better way to celebrate than by organizing a community clean-up with your family and friends? Whether it’s during your walk to school or as a weekend activity, every small effort helps create cleaner, healthier spaces for everyone. 💚 Gather your community, make a positive impact, and don’t forget to log your actions on Commit2Act.org to see the difference you’re making! 🌎✨

She found connection to culture through art and creation and she has big dreams for how she might help others do the same down the road through her artistic passions. Get to know Saelym Degrandpré in her @‌AConnectedNorth Fireside Chat: firesidechats.ca/video/saely… ✨

Strong communities start with strong investments in children 💙 We’re honoured to be featured in The Hill Times spotlighting why investing in education, connectivity, and opportunity for youth in Northern and remote communities is essential to strengthening Canada’s future. Through Connected North, we see every day how access to culturally grounded, engaging learning experiences can spark confidence, curiosity, and possibility for students across the North. When we invest in young people, we invest in stronger communities for generations to come. Thank you to our educators, partners, presenters, and community leaders who continue to make this work possible. Together, we’re helping ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive — no matter where they live. Read the full article at: hilltimes.com/sponsored/to-t…

We are celebrating a huge milestone for Connected North 🎉 We’re honoured to be featured by Cabin Radio as we approach 3,000 virtual learning sessions delivered to schools across the Northwest Territories. From science experiments and virtual field trips to cultural teachings, career conversations, and creative workshops, each session is designed to expand opportunities, spark curiosity, and strengthen connections for students in northern and remote communities. This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the incredible educators, students, presenters, partners, and communities who bring this work to life every day. Together, we’re helping shape a future of learning that is collaborative, culturally grounded, and community-driven 💙 Read the full story from Cabin Radio at: cabinradio.ca/289508/news/ed…

Sprout Ideas Fellow Robel Adugna hosted the OTH Showcase, which created a platform for Ethiopian and Eritrean artists to share their work in a professionally supported, community-centred environment. Participating artists gained increased visibility, performance experience, and opportunities for peer connection, contributing to their artistic confidence and sense of belonging within the local music scene. Learn more about Robel's project at sproutideas.org/fellows/robe…

Overcoming addictions and losing her mom at a young age, she found her way to give back to community and raise her own family while educating herself. Learn how this mother of seven did it in her @‌AConnectedNorth Fireside Chat: firesidechats.ca/video/agnes… ✨

When engineering didn’t turn out to be a fit, she found her place as a Red Seal Chef, cooking for a ship’s crew, and free to pursue life’s adventures. Listen to Rebecca Marshall serve up her life story in her #FiresideChat ✨ firesidechats.ca/video/rebec…

She found solace, opportunity and community on the dance floor, creating the life she dreamed of as a child. Catch up with dancer Angela Gladue in her #FiresideChat ✨ firesidechats.ca/video/angel…

Facing many struggles in her life, Agnes Francis kept going, doing her best for her kids and helping others with theirs as a home visitor and then a supervisor. Hear about all the steps in her educational journey in her #FiresideChat ✨ firesidechats.ca/video/agnes…

Amira Faqi's project ThirdSpaceMental, provided a safe space for first-generation immigrants and newcomers to explore topics surrounding mental health, counselling, medication, and healing without fear of judgment. Amira reflected on her experience leading the project, sharing the importance of working with likeminded individuals. Learn more about Amira's project at: sproutideas.org/fellows/amir…

Sprout Ideas Fellow Amira Faqi led ThirdSpaceMental, a mental health initiative focused on supporting first-generation immigrants and newcomers from communities where mental health treatment is often overlooked or stigmatized. Through culturally responsive conversations and community-centred programming, the initiative created a safe space for youth from marginalized backgrounds to explore topics surrounding mental health, counselling, medication, and healing without fear of judgment.The event welcomed approximately 100–120 attendees, including students and professionals from across Ottawa who were eager to engage in meaningful dialogue and support the initiative. Learn more about Amira's project at sproutideas.org/fellows/amir…

Choosing to compost food waste is a simple way to reduce what ends up in landfills while giving nutrients back to the soil. Small actions at home can help create healthier communities and a healthier planet for the future. What is one sustainable action you are taking this week? Track your impact and log your actions on Commit2Act.org 🌱

Dance was her escape, her joy and eventually, her profession. Letting go of anxiety and shame, Angela Gladue has picked up chances to learn, grow and shine. Listen to her story in her @‌AConnectedNorth Fireside Chat: firesidechats.ca/video/angel… ✨