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Canada’s “Yellowhead Indigenous Education Foundation” Receives Recognition from UNAOC-BMW Group’s Intercultural Innovation Hub
Canada’s “Yellowhead Indigenous Education Foundation” Receives Recognition from UNAOC-BMW Group’s Intercultural Innovation Hub
Canadian organization "Yellowhead Indigenous Education Foundation" is one of ten global grassroots initiatives recognized by the prestigious Intercultural Innovation Hub , a joint initiative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group , implemented with the support of Accenture , during a Ceremony held in the framework of the 10th UNAOC Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal under the theme "United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future - Reflecting on two decades of Dialogue for Humanity". The Forum convened prominent figures, political leaders, UN officials including the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, as well as representatives from civil society, academia, and the private sector, to share insights and reflect on the 20 years of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations' impactful work.
The organization was selected for its project "Exploring Wâhkôhtowin," which uses the art of play to bring people together and create transformative educational experiences that foster unity and understanding. The project features the Exploring Wâhkôhtowin educational board game, designed to inspire non-Indigenous people to reflect on the meaning and impact of the treaties signed between First Nations and the Canadian Government, and to explore how their relationship can be improved. It recognizes the importance of understanding shared history as the first step towards reconciliation, addressing the impact of historical and present-day events, policies, and legislation. Further, the game creates a unique space for empathy by empowering Indigenous communities to reconnect with their culture and history, while inviting non-Indigenous participants to engage in thoughtful, inclusive discussions - ultimately fostering deeper connections and mutual understanding.
"As recipients of the Intercultural Innovation Hub, we are empowered to amplify our impact, inspire greater intercultural understanding and build stronger, more meaningful connections between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous communities," said Rabia Naseer, Anti-Indigenous Racism Program Administrator at Yellowhead Indigenous Education Foundation.
The Intercultural Innovation Hub supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, thereby contributing to peace, cultural diversity, and more inclusive societies. This year's Ceremony was chaired by Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and the High Representative for UNAOC, and Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director.
Through the Intercultural Innovation Hub, Yellowhead Indigenous Education Foundation will receive a financial grant, as well as one year of capacity-building and mentorship support from UNAOC, the BMW Group and Accenture, to help strengthen the "Exploring Wâhkôhtowin" project and its contribution towards a more inclusive society. This model of collaboration between the United Nations and the private sector creates a more profound impact, as partners provide their respective expertise to ensure the sustainable growth of each supported project.
Learn more about the project: https://interculturalinnovation.org/yellowhead-indigenous-education-foundation-exploring-wahkohtowin
Media inquiries:
-Milena Pighi, TeamLead and Spokesperson Corporate Citizenship, BMW Group, [email protected]
- Mr. Alessandro Girola, Chief, Programming and Projects Unit, UNAOC, [email protected]
SOURCE: UNAOC
M.Soler--HdM
