The Starbucks Foundation Deepens Commitment to Indigenous Youth Programs with $50,000 Grant at Cando National Conference

Starbucks is committed to empowering Indigenous youth with opportunities that build skills, foster confidence, and inspire leadership for the future. At the recent Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) National Conference, Starbucks reaffirmed its commitment to Reconciliation by announcing a $50,000 grant from The Starbucks Foundation to the National Indigenous Economic Education Foundation, the charitable arm of Cando. This funding will support Cando’s Youth Connect and Indigenous Youth Coaching programs, which provide Indigenous youth across Canada with skills and resources essential for economic development and entrepreneurship.

“At Starbucks, we feel a deep responsibility to invest in our communities, especially in our youth, who represent the future,” said Shannon Leisz, VP of Store Development at Starbucks Canada. “These programs provide Indigenous youth with valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities. We’re excited to support that journey in partnership with Cando.”

The Cando conference is a pivotal event for Indigenous Economic Development Officers (EDOs) across Canada, fostering discussions and advancements in Indigenous economic development. This year marks Starbucks’ third consecutive attendance and second year sponsoring the National Youth Panel. Through Cando, Starbucks has forged relationships with Indigenous leaders, including EDOs from First Nations communities, leading to impactful and lasting partnerships. Key initiatives include the opening of Starbucks’ first licensed store on ATR (Addition to Reserve) land with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and a new licensed Starbucks café and drive-thru operated by We Wai Kai Nation. Each year, the conference enables Starbucks to listen, learn and expand these meaningful relationships, exploring new avenues for growth and collaboration together.

“We are committed to strengthening our understanding and building relationships with Indigenous communities,” Leisz shared. “This conference provides a unique opportunity to learn from Indigenous leaders and support their priorities. Every year, we come away with new insights and ideas on how we can work together to create meaningful impact.”

This commitment is furthered by the $50,000 grant from The Starbucks Foundation, which represents a significant step forward in supporting Indigenous youth through two Cando initiatives: Youth Connect and Indigenous Youth Coaching. Both programs provide opportunities for Indigenous youth to connect with motivational speakers, receive expert training, and develop skills year-round. Youth Connect offers monthly virtual sessions, allowing youth from various locations to participate in interactive discussions led by subject matter experts. The Indigenous Youth Coaching program provides one-on-one and small group coaching, guiding young people through the essentials of community-oriented business development and economic impact.

“Cando is pleased that the relationship with Starbucks has continued to grow over the last few years,” said Ray Wanuch, Executive Director of Cando. “Working together, Starbucks and Cando will help set the stage to enable Indigenous youth from communities across Canada to be able to connect with one another and with the subject matter experts that can help them set a course for their life journey and positively impact their future. That is work that is worth doing.”

The Youth Connect and Indigenous Youth Coaching programs were created to address specific needs voiced by Indigenous youth, including the importance of year-round connection and development opportunities. Starbucks recognizes that these programs are a space not only for celebration but also for addressing challenging topics, such as mental health and career progression. By offering Indigenous youth ongoing access to expert guidance, the Cando youth programs help participants build confidence and skills that extend well beyond the conference. Looking ahead, Starbucks hopes to engage partners (employees) and the internal Canada Indigenous Partner Network (CIPN) to support Cando’s youth programs through mentorship opportunities and other avenues.

The Cando National Conference has been an instrumental part of Starbucks Canada’s journey with Indigenous communities. Starbucks is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Cando, supporting Indigenous culture, innovation, and resilience, and is excited to help create opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Looking to the future, Starbucks sees this partnership with Cando as part of a long-term commitment to fostering business development and community relations. Earlier this year, Starbucks embarked on a journey with the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) to further positive and progressive Indigenous relations. Through PAIR, and relationships such as Cando, Starbucks aims to deepen partnerships, expand initiatives, and make a meaningful impact in terms of Reconciliation.