The Youth Summit has been filling a need for providing quality land-based learning, environmental educationand genuine connections with like-minded peers outside of the classroom since the first Youth Summit for Biodiversity in 2010. Now more than ever, outdoor education is essential. As highlighted in ON Nature magazine‘s cover story, Making the Grade, education budget cuts, insufficient funding and qualified educators are limiting opportunities for students to learn from the natural world.
This year, from September 11 – 13, the annual Youth Summit for Mother Earth was held at Tawingo Outdoor Centre on the traditional territories of the Ojibway, the Chippewa, the Algonquin and the Odawa. Today, this area, currently known as Huntsville, is home to sovereign nations including Moose Deer Point First Nation and Wahta Mohawks First Nation.In partnership with Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee advisors from Bkejwanong and Wahta Mohawks First Nations the Summit was a cross-cultural event for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, with leaders from our Nature Guardians Youth Program hosting the event and leading activities.
The 2026 Summit brought together 42 youth from 36 communities ranging from Tecumseh to Long Sault to Neebing just north of Thunder Bay. Sessions on cultural humility, herptiles, wetlands conservation, Anishinaabe teachings of aki (land) and nibi (water), bug pinning, and field skills on ecological land classification were some of the topics offered at the Youth Summit. Hiking up to a waterfall, stargazing, swimming in Lake Vernon, listening to stories and teachings from Elder Christopher StockfromWahta Mohawks, night hikes and team challenges were some of the highlights of the weekend.
Countless conversations with participants, both from urban and rural communities, highlight the Summit to get out of the city, be immersed in nature, and find out that one is not alone caring for our natural world.In our closing circle and farewells, words of gratitude and mindfulness were shared by many folks we just met two nights prior.
Written Testimonials
“The Youth Summit was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed it! My favourite parts were the cultural humility stories with Elder Chris. [I gained] connections and friendships, knowledge about the land/the government and learnings about Indigenous culture. The Summit made me feel inspired to revitalize my city’s Youth Council.”
“I learnt there really is a community with such passion my age and also to appreciate the finer things in life. I’m also very happy that I got the opportunity to be out in so much nature and learning. I also learnt that my voice matters way more than I thought before so I’ve got to research what my city needs nature-wise and will definitely go from there.” – Olivia W., Hamilton
“Overall I really enjoyed my time at the Summit. I feel like I made some really good connections and learned a lot about fields of ecology I had less knowledge in. I made a lot of connections with like-minded youth, a lot more about insect collecting and ecological land classification, and more about programs to join once I age out of my natural history club.” – Hugo H., Ottawa
“I had a great time at the night hike. I learned unique Indigenous greetings, how to identify some herptiles and met new people. The Youth Summit helped me realize that people have a huge impact.” – Henry D., Scarborough
“I feel that the Youth Summit was an amazing learning experience, so much fun and I made many great connections! I learned cultural humility and appreciation, gained perseverance and gratitude for our earth and what we have. I really want to try to make time to be more involved – not just with the Youth Council but other initiatives as well.” – Youth Council member
“I genuinely loved it here! I got to not only learn so much more about nature, but also connect with so many people which is incredible for the span of just 2+ days! The Summit already has impacted me, I know want to get into advocacy even more. I also am now 100% sure I want to join the Youth Council!” – Yeva C., Waterloo
The Summit continues to be a welcome space for birders, space enthusiasts, bug kids, outdoor recreationists and nature lovers to connect, bond, learn, and take back what they learned to their communities. You can also visit the Youth Summit for Mother Earth page for more event information, photos, and testimonials. We can’t wait for next year!
If you are a high school student passionate about nature, join the Ontario Nature Youth Council to connect with youth leaders across Ontario and inspire positive change in your community! By being part of the Youth Council, you will help to bring the annual Youth Summit for Mother Earth to life. Applications are open on October 15.
Christine started volunteering for Ontario Nature in spring 2015, then joined the administration team that fall. In her current role, she oversees the Nature Guardians youth program and various conservation projects. Christine grew up with a love of the outdoors and nature, which eventually led her to take a B.Sc. in earth sciences from University of Waterloo. She has extensive experience working with youth at summer camp and volunteering with other environmental non-profits. In her free time, Christine is a part-time video game brand ambassador and promoter who also enjoys exploring the outdoors and learning new technology.
Along with our partners, we aim to secure the property and transfer it to Garden River First Nation – modeling ground breaking, Indigenous-led conservation.
