Draft:Justin Langan

Justin Langan
Langan in 2024
Born	Justin Ron Langan (1998-12-15) 15 December 1998 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Alma mater	University of Manitoba (BA)
Years active	2015-present
Awards	Full List
Website	justinlangan.com
Signature

Justin Langan (born December 15, 1998) is a Métis youth advocate, environmentalist, writer, and political activist. He is widely recognized for his efforts in Indigenous advocacy, mental health awareness, environmental sustainability, and his work supporting Indigenous youth.

Langan's contributions have earned him multiple awards, including the Indspire Métis Youth Award and Canada's Volunteer Award. He is also the founder and executive director of O'KANATA, a non-profit organization focused on Indigenous empowerment through education, economic development, and environmental conservation.

Early Life

Justin Ron Langan was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and raised in the rural community of Swan River, Manitoba. He was brought up in a Métis family, which profoundly influenced his advocacy for Indigenous rights. From a young age, Langan displayed an interest in leadership and community engagement, participating in various extracurricular activities and student governance throughout his school years.

Langan completed his high school education at Swan Valley Regional Secondary School with distinction, earning 39 credits and receiving the Arts Award. His early exposure to Métis heritage and culture, combined with his family's advocacy and union work, shaped his future career trajectory. He later pursued a diploma in Journalism at Assiniboine Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies at the University of Manitoba, where he graduated in 2024. Langan is currently active in the 2024-2025 Cohort of the prestigious Parliamentary Internship Program in Ottawa, Ontario.

Activism

Justin Langan's activism spans various fields, including Indigenous rights, environmental sustainability, mental health, and youth empowerment. His Métis heritage and rural upbringing has been central to his advocacy, particularly in his efforts to elevate Indigenous voices and address the systemic issues faced by Indigenous communities across Canada.

Indigenous Advocacy

Langan has been a dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment since 2011. His journey began with active involvement in the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), where he served as the Youth Representative on both the Provincial Youth Advisory Committee and the Northwest Youth Advisory Committee. This role allowed him to work closely with Indigenous leaders and youth, fostering dialogue on issues such as mental health, climate change, and cultural heritage.

Langan speaking at the 2024 One Young World Summit in Montreal, September 2024

In 2017, Langan enrolled at Assiniboine Community College, where his focus on Indigenous storytelling and advocacy grew. He produced a mini-documentary that shed light on the methamphetamine crisis within Indigenous communities, specifically addressing the struggles faced by an Indigenous mother and her son. This work, nominated for a Canadian Association of Journalists Award, marked the beginning of his passion for using media as a tool for advocacy.

Langan's involvement in various projects expanded through his nonprofit organization, O'KANATA, which he founded in 2023 to provide cultural, educational, and employment support to Indigenous youth. The organization’s initiatives include eco-literacy programs, digital storytelling, and international trade support for Indigenous artisans. Langan also created the Indigenous Film Archive, a repository that documents Indigenous cinema dating back to the late 19th century, preserving the rich history of Indigenous narratives.

Further solidifying his commitment to intergenerational storytelling, Langan initiated projects like the Elders of Manitoba photography series, which features portraits of Indigenous Elders, and the Recording Our History interview series, capturing oral histories of Métis and other Indigenous communities. Through these works, he has elevated Indigenous voices, ensuring that their stories and wisdom are preserved for future generations.

Langan’s advocacy extends beyond media and cultural preservation. As a student leader at the University of Manitoba, he held several positions that focused on enhancing Indigenous representation in education, governance, and community-building. He played a key role in the Canadian Federation of Students as the National Representative of the Circle of First Nation's, Métis, and Inuit Students, and served as the Male Co-President of both the University of Manitoba Indigenous Students Association and the Métis University Student's Association.

With numerous accolades recognizing his contributions to Indigenous advocacy, Justin Langan continues to push for systemic changes that empower Indigenous voices, ensure cultural preservation, and foster leadership in Indigenous communities across Canada.

Environmental Sustainability

Langan's commitment to environmental sustainability is rooted in his deep connection to Indigenous knowledge systems and the need for sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet. His journey in environmental advocacy began with his recognition as one of Starfish Canada's Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25 in 2020​. This recognition highlighted his early work advocating for climate action and sustainable development.

From his speech at the European Commission

     The Arctic and our Indigenous Peoples are symbiotic. You cannot heal one while negating the other.

— Justin Langan, Brussels

One of Langan's most notable initiatives is the O'KANATA Eco-Literacy Project, which he founded to educate and empower Indigenous youth to address climate change in their communities. This project focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through educational workshops, the installation of solar panels, and the creation of green spaces. The project also aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Climate Action, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Sustainable Cities and Communities. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern sustainability practices, Justin's efforts foster environmental stewardship among younger generations.

Justin has also been involved in conservation initiatives beyond his immediate community. He has served as a Youth Advisory Council Member for Ducks Unlimited Canada, contributing to wetland and biodiversity conservation. His involvement in programs like WWF-Canada’s Living Planet Leader Program demonstrates his leadership in advancing sustainability education and advocating for green initiatives across Canada​.

Through these projects, Justin has shown that environmental sustainability is not just a technical or policy issue but also a cultural one. His work continues to bridge the gap between Indigenous wisdom and modern climate solutions, ensuring that sustainability efforts are inclusive and resilient for future generations.

Mental Health and Youth Empowerment

Langan has been a vocal advocate for mental health, particularly within Indigenous communities. His work started with his involvement in the Jack.org organization, where he served as a Youth Delegate, attending the Jack Summit 2020, Canada’s largest gathering of young leaders focused on revolutionizing mental health. He has consistently worked to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in Indigenous contexts, by sharing stories and advocating for better mental health services and awareness.

As a Youth Ambassador for the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund and a Hope Ambassador for the We Matter Campaign, he has shared messages of hope, strength, and resilience, particularly within Indigenous communities. His advocacy also extends to mentoring Indigenous youth, ensuring they have access to mental health resources and sustainable education.

Langan’s commitment to youth empowerment goes beyond mental health advocacy. He has created platforms for Indigenous youth to engage in leadership development and storytelling. Through initiatives such as the Elder and Youth Interview series and his podcast, On the Land, he amplifies the voices of Indigenous youth, fostering empowerment through cultural engagement, eco-literacy, and education.

In recognition of his work, Langan received the Sharon Johnston Champion Mental Health Award for Youth from the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, solidifying his place as a young leader committed to improving the mental health landscape in Canada. His journey continues with his participation in several youth leadership programs, where he serves as a role model for the next generation of changemakers.

Honours and awards

Langan has been recognized with numerous honours and awards throughout his activism, reflecting his commitment to community service, environmental sustainability, Indigenous rights, and youth leadership.

• Swan Valley Regional Secondary School Arts Award, 2016, for having the highest GPA in art courses in the graduating class.
• Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award, 2018, recognized for outstanding personal achievements as a student and Métis youth leader.
• Sharon Johnston Champion Mental Health Award for Youth - CAMIMH, 2020, awarded for leadership in promoting mental health awareness in the community.
• RBC Bright Future Award - Volunteer Manitoba, 2020, honoured for helping youth overcome barriers and prepare for success in career readiness.
• Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25 - Starfish Canada, 2020, recognized for making a significant environmental impact in Canada.
• CBC Manitoba Future 40 under 40 Award, 2020, selected as one of 40 outstanding Manitobans under 40 for community impact.
• Honour 150 Award - Manitoba, 2021, recognized as one of 150 people who have made significant contributions to Manitoba.
• Community Future's Parkland Volunteer Award, 2021, awarded for exceptional volunteerism and community service in the Parkland region.
• Kinsmen Manitoba Community Hero Award, 2021, presented for going above and beyond to serve the community.
• Indspire Award - Métis Youth, 2021, the highest honour for Indigenous achievement in Canada, awarded for outstanding youth leadership.
• University of Manitoba Emerging Leader Award, 2021, acknowledged for contributions to the university and broader community.
• University of Manitoba Undergraduate Sustainability Award, 2022, honoured for leadership in advancing sustainability on campus.
• Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, 2022, Awarded for leadership and humanitarian efforts reflecting the values of Terry Fox.
• RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth, 2023, granted for academic achievement and community involvement.
• Canada’s Volunteer Award - Emerging Leader (Prairies), 2024, recognized as a community leader contributing significantly to the lives of others.
• Small Business Champions Award - World Trade Organization, 2024, awarded for innovative approaches to helping small businesses in international trade.