Youth Summit

Youth Summit for Mother Earth

Since 2010, the Youth Summit has acted as a launchpad for the next generation of environmental leaders. For more than ten years, the summit weekend in September has been a highlight for dozens of youth from communities across Ontario.

Hosted for youth by youth leaders in our Nature Guardians Youth Program, the 2025 Youth Summit for Mother Earth is a unique cross-cultural event. Young Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders to connect with one another, participate in educational workshops, and take part in a weekend of outdoor learning. This year, we are excited to deliver another fun, action-packed weekend of hands-on, outdoor education and land-based learning opportunities alongside Indigenous advisors.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Ontario Nature is seeking sponsorship from organizations that share an interest in engaging youth in the environmental sector. We’re excited to offer several giving tiers, allowing your group to make a meaningful impact at a level that feels right for you while enjoying special recognition and benefits in appreciation of your support!

• Seed Sower: $275
• Sapling Supporter: $500
• Forest Builder: $1,000

Every contribution makes a difference, and each tier reflects the growing impact of your support.

You can learn more in our Youth Summit Sponsorship Package.

2024 Youth Summit Highlights

On September 13–15, 2024, youth leaders from across Ontario came together at Tawingo Outdoor Centre on the traditional territories of the Ojibway, the Chippewa, the Algonquin, and the Odawa. The event partners were: Ontario Nature, the Indigenous Environmental Institute at Trent University, Plenty Canada, Walpole Land Trust, and youth leaders and mentors from the Youth Council and Youth Circle for Mother Earth’s Coordinating Circle. The event brought together sixty-four youth from 42 communities.

Youth participated in workshops, a cultural humility session, waterfront activities in Lake Vernon, ceremonies and team-building challenges. Elder Christopher Stock from Wáhtahró:non (Wahta Mohawk Territory) led a traditional Haudenosaunee opening and closing ceremony for participants, including the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen, the traditional opening address spoken in Mohawk to understand the relationship with nature and the natural world, games, dances, and stories of Mohawk peoples. We were also lucky to have Abraham Francis (Deer Clan, Mohawks of Akwesasne), join us for a virtual keynote in November 2024, speaking on hope in hard times and (re)connecting with the land and their community.