Youth Summit, 2026
Youth Summit for Mother Earth
We held the Youth Summit for Mother Earth from September 11–13, 2026, at the Tawingo Outdoor Centre in Muskoka on the traditional territories of the Ojibway, Chippewa, Algonquin and Odawa. Today, this area is home to sovereign nations including Wahta Mohawks First Nation and Moose Deer Point First Nation. Tawingo Outdoor Centre is in what is now known as Huntsville. The 2026 Youth Summit welcomed 42 youth from 36 communities across Ontario, ranging from Tecumseh to Neebing to Long Sault.
To begin the weekend, Elder Christopher Stock from Wáhtahró:non (Wahta Mohawk Territory) led a traditional Haudenosaunee opening, including the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen, the traditional opening address spoken in Mohawk to understand the relationship with nature and the natural world. Youth also joined a cultural humility session, led by advisors from Bkejwanong (Walpole Island First Nation Territory). To end the Youth Summit in a good way, Elder Christopher held a closing to remind participants to value respect, community and the present moment as they return to their communities after the Summit.
Youth Council Members and Education Staff © Sarah Vanasse
Workshops and Activities
The 2026 Youth Summit was hosted by Ontario Nature staff, partners, advisors, the Youth Council. Sessions included:
- The Hidden World of Herptiles
- Insect Basics & Research Methods
- The Wonderful World of Wetlands
- Advocacy & Connecting with Government Officials
- Mindfulness in Nature
- Field Skills: Ecological Land Classification
- Anishinaabe Teachings of Aki and Nibi – Land and Water
- Reconnecting with the Natural Order of the Food Chain
- Nature Photography
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Other sessions included Children in the Woods, stargazing and a night hike. To read more, check out the 2026 Youth Summit Program.
Bugs Workshop © Sarah Vanasse
About the Youth Summit
Held for youth and hosted by youth leaders part of the Ontario Nature Youth Council, the Youth Summit for Mother Earth is open to youth aged 14–20 and residing in Ontario. Youth leaders and mentors from Ontario Nature’s Nature Guardians Youth Program have been hosting the event and leading activities since the first Youth Summit in 2010.
Ontario Nature works alongside Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee advisors from Bkejwanong (Walpole Island First Nation Territory) and Wáhta Mohawks. Together, we deliver an intentional, reconciliation-centred, cross-cultural event that welcomes Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in a culturally safe and empowering space.
Opening Ceremony, Elder Christopher Stock © Sarah Vanasse
Sponsorships
Thank you to the generous groups and donors who sponsored youth to attend the 2026 Youth Summit for Mother Earth!
Each year, groups can sponsor youth at the following tiers:
- Seed Sower: $275
- Sapling Supporter: $500
- Forest Builder: $1,000 (Covers the full cost for one youth to attend the Summit)
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for groups, check out our 2026 sponsorship package.
Miigwech – nià:wen – hiy hiy – yaw^ko – nakurmiik – merci – thank you* to Ontario Nature’s Nature Network members and other organizations whose support and sponsorship of participants has made the 2026 Youth Summit possible.
| Algonquin College Bancroft Field Naturalists Brian and Jan Bornstein Carden Field Naturalists Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority Citizens for Marshland Conservation Conservation Sudbury Durham Region Field Naturalists Essex County Field Naturalists Club Friends of Nancy Island Historic Site and Wasaga Beach Park Friends of Ojibway Prairie Friends of Salmon River Halton North Peel Naturalist Club Headwaters Nature Kawartha Field Naturalists Lambton Wildlife Incorporated Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority | Lennox & Addington Stewardship Council Long Point Biosphere Region Midland-Penetanguishene Field Naturalists Nature Guelph Nature League of Collingwood Nature London Nith Valley EcoBoosters Orillia Field Naturalists’ Club Ottawa Field Naturalists Prince Edward County Field Naturalists Quinte Field Naturalists Saugeen Nature South Peel Naturalists’ Club Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club Toronto Field Naturalists Waterloo Region Nature Willow Beach Field Naturalists |
Miigwech – nià:wen – hiy hiy – yaw^ko – nakurmiik – merci – thank you to our corporate and program sponsors.
Comart Foundation
*The above translations may differ from other Ojibwe, Kanien’kéha, Cree, Oneida and Inuktitut dialects, and reflect the languages shared with Ontario Nature or spoken by Indigenous partners.
Photo Gallery
Miigwetch – miigwech – nya:wen – hiy hiy – yaw^ko – nakurmiik – merci – thank you!*
*The above translations may differ from other Ojibwe, Kanien’kéha, Cree, Oneida and Inuktitut dialects, and reflect the languages shared with Ontario Nature or spoken by Indigenous partners.