In partnership with Chimo Youth Retreat Centre, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is excited to host an event in celebration of International Youth Day, on Saturday, August 12.
This event is a celebration of youth voice and a chance to connect and learn more about important topics that affect your life. The event will feature speakers, interactive booths, prizes, fun performances and more! Young people will also have the opportunity to participate in a youth lab focused on creating an advocacy model by youth for youth.
WHO: Youth, ages 14-24
WHAT: Free event to celebrate International Youth Day
WHEN: Saturday, August 12th 11:00am - 4:00pm
WHERE: NorQuest College, 10215 108 St NW, Edmonton, AB
Getting There
Free Transit Passes
We are pleased to partner with ETS to provide attendees free transit passes for International Youth Day. Passes are available at several local partner agencies throughout Edmonton. Please email youthday@ocya.alberta.ca for details on where you can pick up a free pass.
Parking
There are several parking lots around the venue as well as street parking. The button below will show you where NorQuest parking lots are located.
Keynote Speaker, Kairyn Potts
Kairyn (Kai) Potts is an Indigenous content creator, proud Two-Spirit person and Nakota Sioux from Treaty 6 Territory (Paul Band First Nation and the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation). He is a writer, actor, model, and TV host who has garnered an impressive social media following. In 2022, he co-founded Neechi Clan, an Indigenous gaming organization he represents on Twitch's live streaming service. With his online presence, Kai aims to create representation and opportunities for Indigenous youth in the gaming and content creation world.
As a youth advocate passionate about improving the lives of Indigenous youth, particularly queer youth and youth involved in the child intervention system, we hope Kai’s story will captivate attendees.
Singer/songwriter, Jessa Sky
Representing her Indigenous roots to the fullest and shining a spotlight on her culture wherever possible, Jessa Sky is more than just a powerful voice and talented songwriter – she is an advocate for everything that doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. With her debut single and music video “On My Own," Jessa made Top 100 in the CBC Toyota Searchlight competition out of 2500 contestants. Her debut album is set to release in October 2023.
Jessa's music combines raw emotion, melody and lyrics that reflect the depths of her soul. This Métis Cree artist has a deep connection to hers. She believes music has the power to heal the world as it has healed hers.
Youth Vendors
Check out interactive vendor booths run by young entrepreneurs.
Youth Lab
Engage in a youth lab — a workshop designed to create an advocacy model for young people by young people.
Omni Podcast
Young people will have the opportunity to participate in a podcast where they can share their stories anonymously. Host, Brad Gibbons, started the podcast to give youth a voice and the ability to go deeper into their story, interests and future goals. Omni Podcast is a platform for open conversation and all topics are welcomed.
GraffitiSalad
Prepare to be inspired by the live painting of a street-art style graffiti mural by Jordan of GraffitiSalad.
Xperienc360
A next-level photobooth experience with a camera that orbits around up to 6 people while filming a 360-degree slow-motion video. Users will gain instant access to their videos through e-mail.
Snacks
Enjoy a variety of complimentary grab-and-go snacks and refreshments while you take in all the event has to offer.
Prizes
Attendees will have the chance to win tons of exciting prizes.
Indigenous Box
Included in the prize offerings are specially-curated gift boxes from Indigenous Box™. This Edmonton based organization has received awards including The Indigenomics Institutes Top Ten to Watch and the Innovators and Entrepreneurs Foundation Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year. Founder, Tanisi Mallory Yawnghwe nitisîyihkâson has also been nominated for the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year and the RBC Women of Influence award.
Service providers will also be entered into a prize draw to win one of these special boxes.