Youth Summit

Youth Summit for Mother Earth

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 15th annual Youth Summit in partnership with Ontario Nature, the Indigenous Environmental Institute at Trent University, Plenty Canada, and Walpole Land Trust. Also partnering with youth leaders and mentors from the Youth Council and Youth Circle for Mother Earth’s Coordinating Circle, the event brought together 64 youth from 42 communities.

Activities

Participants had the opportunity to participate in early morning birding, nature sketching, ceremonies, waterfront activities in Lake Vernon, sharing circles and team-building activities through the Great Group Challenge.

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.

Later this year, participants will have the opportunity to attend a virtual keynote to reflect on the Youth Summit, reconnect with each other and continue their cross-cultural learning. Stay tuned for details!