In July 2025, Syndel, a youth Indigenous advocate first joined SCIC by attending Generating Momentum, Saskatchewan’s youth summit for bold changemakers rooted in global justice, gender equality, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Before attending, her work was centered on local and national Indigenous youth wellness, identity-based policy, and gender equity. She had strong community relationships and experience advocating in Indigenous spaces, yet had not fully connected this work to international movements or viewed herself within the global landscape.

Generating Momentum became the opportunity that shifted this view, “The biggest change I experienced through Gen Mo was a shift in how I understood my work in relation to global citizenship and international cooperation”

Through interactive learning spaces, workshops on advocacy, and dialogue with peers and mentors, they began to recognize that her community-rooted work was not separate from broader global movements. Conversations about Indigenous rights, youth empowerment, and social equity helped her understand how these issues are embedded within the SDGs and are part of international cooperation efforts. The experience built new confidence, broadened her perspective, and deepened her sense of belonging in global spaces.

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The most meaningful change came in how Syndel understood her role: community-based Indigenous advocacy is global change-making. With that realization, she began pursuing international opportunities, eventually being selected as a delegate for CSW70 at the United Nations which is an opportunity she attributes directly to the confidence, clarity, and network that emerged during GenMo. What began as a single gathering has now become an ongoing partnership with SCIC, grounded in shared values and mutual support. Today, Syndel feels empowered not only to advocate locally, but to shape conversations at national and global levels and carry forward the understanding that community-driven change contributes to international progress.