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© Lora Denis
March 7, 2024–Guest blogger
Environmental Education•Indigenous Relations•Stewardship and restoration•Youth
2024 Youth Circle for Mother Earth members, Camp Kawartha © Ontario Nature
The Youth Circle for Mother Earth (YCME) project supports a cross-cultural network of young Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders looking to honour their responsibilities and relationships with Mother Earth. Led by a Coordinating Circle, members act as ambassadors for the land, air and waters. This includes the natural world and its conservation, protection, and restoration.
This past February, members of the YCME project gathered at the Camp Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre for a retreat with the theme “Looking Back, Looking Forward.” The retreat was an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and partners to participate in workshops and discussion circles led by Elders and Knowledge Holders, as well as reflect on past accomplishments as a Circle and plan for the coming new year.
Winter retreat highlight © Rae L.
Interested in joining the YCME Coordinating Circle or nominating a youth? Learn more about the application and nomination process.
– Authored by YCME Members
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada, Ontario Power Generation, the Johansen Larsen Foundation and the Olive Tree Foundation.
Youth Circle for Mother Earth activities are supported by four partnering organizations: the Indigenous Environmental Institute at Trent University, Plenty Canada, Walpole Island Land Trust, and Ontario Nature.
Proposed 413 Route, Old School Road with farm and escarpment view © Noah Cole