Youth Summit

Weekend Details

When: September 13–15, 2024

Where: Tawingo Outdoor Centre in Muskoka on the traditional territories of the Ojibway, the Chippewa, the Algonquin and the Odawa. Today, Muskoka is home to three sovereign nations: Wahta Mohawks First Nations, Moose Deer Point First Nation and the Moon River Métis. Tawingo Outdoor Centre is located on what is now known as Huntsville.

Who: 90 youth (aged 14–20) from across Ontario

We look forward to delivering a weekend of hands-on, outdoor education and land-based learning opportunities alongside our incredible partners. Ontario Nature’s COVID-19 Precautions for Events provides details on the prevention measures we will take in advance of and during the event. The Youth Summit for Mother Earth will be held in compliance with Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s COVID-19 measures at the time of the event.

2023 Youth Summit for Mother Earth Highlights

On September 22–24, 2023, young environmental leaders from across the province came together at Camp Wahanowin on Anishinaabe (Chippewas of Rama First Nation) territory near Orillia for the fourteenth annual Youth Summit in partnership with Ontario Nature, the Indigenous Environmental Institute at Trent University, Plenty Canada and Walpole Island Land Trust. The event, also partnered with youth leaders from the Youth Council and Youth Circle for Mother Earth’s Coordinating Circle, allowed over sixty youth from 42 communities to participate in workshops, a cultural humility session, sharing circles and group activities.

Nokomis Stephanie, grandmother from Mnjikaning (Chippewas of Rama First Nation), led an opening and closing ceremony for all participants, sharing knowledge about smudging and the Seven Grandfather Teachings. We were also lucky to have Amber Sandy from Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation), speaking on her experiences and natural hide tanning for a virtual keynote in November 2023.