Bold youth-led initiatives address local needs as the Yellowknife Community Foundation joins national community challenge

2 June 2019

The Yellowknife Community Foundation is joining the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge, making up to $15,000 available to youth-led projects that address diverse and urgent local priorities.

The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge will enable youth to apply for funding to support their bold ideas to address urgent community priorities. It is an opportunity for young people to lead, learn new skills, gain experience, and build relationships in their local communities — all things that will help them prepare for the future of work. Later this year, the Yellowknife Community Foundation will also bring youth and community members together for ‘Vital Conversations,’ community dialogue focused on creating a better future together.

This Community Challenge goes far beyond Yellowknife, participating community foundations will make grants and learning opportunities available to youth-led initiatives in 150 communities from coast to coast to coast. As a whole, the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge aims to empower Canadian youth for the jobs and community realities of the future.

“Youth are a vital part of our community and are already demonstrating leadership and initiative on many fronts. This is a wonderful opportunity to support them further in realizing their goals” said Bronwyn Watters, Yellowknife Community Foundation President.

“Young people are already demonstrating tremendous leadership in communities in Canada and across the world. Look no further than the massive youth-led initiatives such as global student marches against climate change. The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge is an exciting opportunity to help shift power into their hands further, by bringing them to the decision-making table where they can lead in developing solutions for the future,” says Andrew Chunilall, CEO of CFC.

“RBC believes strongly in the power, vision and potential of youth, and the influence they can have in their communities,” said Mark Beckles, senior director, Youth Strategy and Innovation, RBC. “That’s why we are thrilled to partner with CFC to help young people make a difference in communities across Canada while building the 21st century skills needed to prepare for the future of work.”

Grant applications will be accepted between May 22 and September 18, 2019. Contact the Yellowknife Community Foundation for more information on how to apply, or visit https://www.ykcf.ca/.

About the Yellowknife Community Foundation
The Yellowknife Community Foundation was founded in 1993, based on the simple premise that people working together can make a difference. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and, with the generosity and support of many families, individuals, businesses and organizations has been able to provide over $1 million in grants and scholarships towards realizing this mission.

About RBC Future Launch Community Challenge
The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge will be hosted by Community Foundations of Canada and participating community foundations, and is made possible thanks to a $5M donation from RBC Foundation. It is part of RBC Future Launch, a commitment by RBC and the RBC Foundation to empower Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow. Over the next 10 years, RBC Future Launch is dedicating $500 million to help young people access meaningful employment through practical work experience, skills development opportunities, networking solutions and mental well-being supports and services.

Rosella Stoesz
Executive Director
+1 867 446 4527
info@ykcf.ca

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Impact Story - Skate North -...

July 29, 2026

The Yellowknife Small Grants Program offers micro-grants of up to $1,000 for individual residents of Yellowknife, Ndilǫ, and Dettah to bring the community together and help make it better. The first ever batch of grants was awarded in Fall 2025 to eight community members, including Forrest Doctor for his ongoing project, Skate North.

The initiative aims to make skateboarding more accessible to youth by providing safe skate spaces, equipment, and mentorship.

” I want to encourage youth to commit to their passions, take initiative, and create positive change. For me, that means creating a safe space for learners, something I didn’t have when I first started. This project is about keeping skateboarding alive in the NWT and giving our youth the support and opportunities they deserve.” – excerpt from Forrest’s proposal

Forrest used the grant to purchase helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to give away to up-and-coming skaters. Through free prize draws, in-person outreach, and open calls on social media, Forrest was able to get gear directly into the hands of youth who need it the most.

Forrest Doctor giving away gear at the miniramp in Ndilǫ. The ramp was constructed in Spring 2026 as part of a Skate North wordworking workshop, delivered in partnership with the YKDFN Dechı̨ta Nàowo Training Center.

Matt Wolff from Rumor Boardshop in Edmonton, AB.
The skate shop is an ardent supporter and partner to the Skate North project.

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The results of this direct access model were both immediate and unexpected. Two things stand out especially. First, Forrest noticed that new skaters were able to instantly start with confidence. Having proper safety gear in place meant they were free to try things as many times as they wanted. That ability to iterate safely creates a level of early learning and progression that is invaluable.

Second, the degree of engagement from youth, families, and the larger community was uplifting. Skate North has now grown through additional volunteers, sponsors, and partners, including local schools. It shows that there is a strong demand for skateboarding and action sports overall. Now an olympic sport, the old cultural stigmas attached to skating have faded away. All that remains is a desire to get out there and rip.

Forrest partnered with Rumor Boardshop in Edmonton, AB to acquire the gear at a discounted rate. Shop rep Matt Wolff had this to say on the impact of skating and initiatives like Skate North:

“Especially in smaller communities, skateboarding can be a huge outlet for youth, not only physically, but to express themselves artistically as well. It also brings a real sense of community for people. I grew up in a small town in the middle of Alberta, and the people I skateboarded with I still have friendships with to this day.”

We can’t wait to see a new generation of skaters come up and grow the local scene in the North. Keep rolling.