Stirling John provides positive mentorship to struggling youth

Canadian Christian artist Stirling John is utilizing his resources to reach out to Indigenous youth and provide them with the guidance they need to live successful lives.

Stirling John is a member of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Ontario, he moved to Alberta as an indigenous veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police both in frontline and airside policing operations for the past 16 years.

Now he is announcing the launch of a newly formed foundation, "Stirling John Foundation for Youth Empowerment."

Throughout John's music career, he's found plenty of ways to bring awareness to serious issues and uplift others, and this foundation is another form of doing that.

John's passion for helping others has always been part of who he is, engaging in communities and focusing on the youth. Since serving as an RCMP officer in isolated posts in previous years, he has seen the struggles children face and wants to provide them with the positive mentorship and leadership they have been missing.

"Stirling John Foundation for Youth Empowerment" is a non-profit organization that has been created and registered with the Alberta Government. The root of this newly established foundation resides in the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, specifically Sections 3.3 and 9.2.

The Foundation’s first initiative involves showcasing the talents of two young musicians, 18-year-old Zachary Willier from the Sucker Creek First Nation and 16-year-old Bryce Delorme from the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement.

On June 27th, 2023, the Stirling John Foundation for Youth Empowerment will take both young men to MCC Recording studios in Calgary, Alberta. They will each record a song backed by accomplished studio session musicians Russell Broom, Justin Kudding, Johnny Gasparic, Brendan Waters, and Joey Mackenzie, who have performed with artists like Brett Kissel, Jan Arden, and Gord Bamford. Stirling John will also conduct showcasing interviews with the youth on this date.

The Foundation has partnered with the Calgary Stampede to showcase these two youths' talents at the West stage backed by Stirling John and his band on July 9 at 6 p.m.

Stirling will follow up with leaders and elders from the Sucker Creek First Nation and Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement about the young men and the importance of showcasing talent from and within their communities.