Indigenous Community
Mentorship Program

COMMUNITY MENTORSHIP OVERVIEW

What does community mentorship look like?
The Cybermentor Indigenous Mentorship Program seeks to virtually connect Indigenous youth and mentors across Turtle Island to create a community centered around Indigenous knowledge and people in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) fields. As a community-led mentorship program, youth participants and mentors will work together to guide the formatting, content, and focus of the program each season. The inaugural program season will run online from March - June 2021 and we welcome new community members at any time. The first round of programming will include 2 community mentorship sessions a month (8 in total), and an additional 2 Elder-led sessions during the season.

What can I expect as a youth participant in this program?
As a youth participant you will receive invitations to all of our virtual community mentorship sessions. At these sessions, you will have the chance to meet and learn from Indigenous community members from across Turtle Island whose practices and passions involve STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) topics. As you build relationships, you can continue your conversations with mentors in a one-on-one capacity by requesting to be matched with that mentor through our mentorship platform. You will also help to guide the programming for each season by engaging in conversation and sharing your passions, interests, and visions for your future.

What can I expect as a mentor in this program?
As a mentor, you will also receive invitations to participate in all of our virtual community mentorship sessions. Mentors will also have the opportunity to lead mentorship sessions and share their work, experiences, and knowledge with the rest of the community. (With the Cybermentor Indigenous Coordinator offering support in coordinating, facilitating, and co-hosting the session as needed.) Mentors will help to guide the programming for each season through their engagement in leading sessions, having conversations with youth participants, and sharing connections, opportunities, and relationships with the community.

Can youth connect with a mentor one-on-one?
Yes! As youth build relationships with mentors during community sessions they can request to be matched with that mentor directly to continue the conversation and learning. Cybermentor can connect youth directly with mentors through the secure online mentorship platform, Mentor Link.

Do I have to attend all community mentorship sessions?
No, it is not mandatory to attend any particular session. However, we strongly encourage each youth participant and mentor to attend as many as sessions possible. By attending more community sessions you will have more opportunity to build relationships, learn from others, and share your knowledge.

Do I need to be Indigenous to register for the Cybermentor Indigenous Community Mentorship Program?
Yes, at this time we are only open to formally registering Indigenous youth participants and mentors. However, some of the community mentorship sessions will be open to the wider community for engagement. Non-registered attendees will be required to sign a waiver when registering for Cybermentor-led events, including proof of consent if under 18. To stay informed about upcoming events, email hjlogan@ucalgary.ca.

How do I register for this program?
To register as a youth participant or mentor, click here.
To participate in the Cybermentor Program, participants under 18 must provide proof of consent from their guardian. To participate in the Cybermentor Program, participants 18 and over must provide a vulnerable sector police check, two references, and participate in a brief phone-call with the Indigenous Program Coordinator.

I’m not formally registered with Cybermentor. Can I still participate in community mentorship sessions?
Yes, many of the community mentorship sessions will be open to the wider Indigenous community beyond formally registered members of the Cybermentor Program. Non-registered attendees will be required to sign a waiver when registering for Cybermentor-led events, including proof of consent if under 18. To stay informed about upcoming events, email hjlogan@ucalgary.ca.

I have more questions!
No problem! Send our Indigenous Program Coordinator a message at hjlogan@ucalgary.ca. Her name is Holliston (Holly) Logan and she looks forward to chatting with you!