The University of Saskatchewan was used as a backdrop for a federal funding announcement aimed at Indigenous youth.

The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations pledged over 15-million dollars for community-based youth organizations to deliver programs on reconciliation and establish a national youth network to share information.

Carolyn Bennett says the three-year pilot program responds to a specific recommendation from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call for Action.

The Canadian Roots Exchange will deliver the program aimed at reflecting diversity among Indigenous youth and support reconciliation based activities across Canada.

Exchange Executive Director Max FineDay says the need still exists for this type of programming as misconceptions and stereotypes still exist.

Bennett says the road to real reconciliation will be paved by youth and hopes to use the input of Indigenous youth to make future policy decisions.