CN joins Level to empower Indigenous youth

CN announced on Nov. 16 a $150,000 sponsorship of Level's Indigenous youth outreach program, "Dare to Dream."

CN’s support, made possible through a joint initiative of the CN Stronger Communities Fund and the CN Employees’ and Pensioners’ Community Fund, “aims to enable Level to further develop and expand the program to communities with high populations of Indigenous youth throughout Canada,” CN says “The funding will also support the organization’s efforts to promote inclusion and respect for diversity by improving the sensitivity of volunteers and the community at large to Indigenous culture.”

Dare to Dream explains that its justice education workshops “aim at making the justice system more accessible, while at the same time instilling confidence and cultural pride in the First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth participants. The program also works to enhance the cultural competency of justice and business sector volunteers.”

“We are truly thrilled to welcome CN as a title, national sponsor of Level’s Dare to Dream program,” said Brittany Twiss, Executive Director at Level. “Access to justice for Indigenous peoples, and education and empowerment programs for Indigenous youth specifically, are critical to reconciliation and to breaking the cycle of poverty, racism and inequality that persists in Canada. With CN’s generous contribution, Dare to Dream will reach the next level in terms of impact and reach across the country.”

“I have presided over the Toronto students’ Dare to Dream mock trial since 2012, and each year it is a highlight,” added the Honourable Justice Harry LaForme of the Ontario Court of Appeal and member of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation. “The focus on mentorship creates a unique learning environment that builds confidence and enables the youth and volunteers to tackle important and at times difficult justice issues. The students make me so proud and give me hope for the future.”

“We are inspired by Level’s passion for creating programs that support equal access to justice,” said Olivier Chouc, CN vice president of corporate services and chair of CN’s Employees’ and Pensioners’ Community Fund. “We are devoted to supporting the success of Indigenous youth and their communities, and look forward to working with Level for years to come.”