Indigenous Youth Bursary (IYB)

Ten days of journeying together, learning, growing and living in community. The Indigenous Youth Bursary is available for individual registrations on our Spring Break and Summer voyages.

The Story

SALTS voyages take place in the territories of many First Nations on the BC coast, including the:

  • Haida

  • Coast Salish

  • Xai'xais

  • Nuu-chah-nulth

  • Gitga'at

  • Kwakwaka’wakw

  • Oweekeno

  • Nuxalk

  • Heiltsuk

  • Tsimshian

We are grateful for the warm welcome we receive as we visit these nations and their coastal communities. Often elders and guides take the time to meet us and share their knowledge when we arrive. SALTS provides scholarships for Indigenous youth to honour this collaborative relationship.

Through this bursary, we hope to increase opportunities for genuine community where we share our stories and grow in our understanding of each other while we live, work, play and journey together.

Note: Bursary recipients not pictured; all photos are of SALTS programs.

Two people stand before a tall, colorful Native American totem pole in a forest under a clear blue sky.
Two people stand before a tall, colorful Native American totem pole in a forest under a clear blue sky.
People exploring a snow-covered ship or ice-covered structure outdoors
People exploring a snow-covered ship or ice-covered structure outdoors

The Indigenous Youth Bursary covers 100% of the trip fee but does not include travel costs which may be necessary to arrive at the boarding location or return home following the trip.  We encourage applicants to seek funding for travel within their communities. 

IYB funding will be awarded based on the funds available and in the order completed applications are received. 

Be sure to read all of the details below and on the Summer Trips pages before applying.

Eligibility 

IYB Applicants must: 

  • be between 13–23 years of age

  • be of Indigenous heritage

  • require financial assistance to participate in the program

  • have the permission and support of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to participate in the SALTS program

  • be physically and mentally able to participate in all sail training and activities as described in the SALTS Physical and Mental Fitness Requirements

  • understand that SALTS is a Christian organization which welcomes participants from all cultures, religions, and life situations as described in Our Mission

  • be aware of the challenges of living on a ship (e.g. confined space, vigorous physical activity, little privacy, no showers on board, absolutely no smoking, alcohol, or drugs during the program)

  • want to be a trainee and explore the coast on a tall ship

  • agree to the bursary recipient responsibilities

Bursary Recipient Responsibilities

Each bursary recipient will:

  • complete the trip registration and submit the necessary forms to SALTS by the dates requested

  • provide a $150 registration fee deposit (if this fee is a barrier, we can consider alternative options)

  • prepare for their trip & arrive on time

  • learn and follow the rules & procedures of the ship and follow the instructions of the crew

  • participate in discussions in which everyone is encouraged to share their views in a caring and respectful manner

  • send a letter (or email) describing their trip with a photo of themself to share with the crew, donors and supporters of SALTS following the trip

  • consent to the use of their picture and comments from their post trip letter to be shared with SALTS crew, supporters, and donors in word, print, online and social media

Apply for an Indigenous Youth Bursary

Carefully consider the trip details, including the dates, routes, and the boarding and disembarking locations of the trip you would like to do before submitting your Trip Request through the pages linked below.  

Submit a Summer Trip Request and check the "Indigenous Youth Bursary" box on the form

"I wanted to know more about my Haida Culture."

—Indigineous Youth Bursary Recipient From BC Mainland, 2017