About
Join the Future Leaders Youth Council and youth of the Bow Valley on Saturday, April 20th from 12:30-10pm at the Banff YWCA. This FREE youth-led event features speakers, workshops, dinner, open mic and dance! Participants will learn hands-on ways to take action for a better Earth, network with like-minded youth - oh, and celebrate the good in the world!
Scroll down for workshop information
REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL
Where: Banff YWCA
When: 12:30-10pm
Who: youth in grades 9-12 of the bow valley
about the workshops
Workshop Block 1 (1:35-2:50pm)
Spoken Word Poetry
with Shawayne Dunstan (he/him), Published Author and Artist
Location: YWCA Great Room
About: If the world ended tomorrow, what would be your safe place? This question puts the world into perspective. Join Shawayne to create a poem dedicated to your sacred places. Shawayne Dunstan is a local author and artist living in Banff.
Shawayne has written 10 poetry books. His artist name is Shaweezy which represents seeing the light in darkness. Shawayne looks forward to sharing his writing journey, writing formats and overcoming obstacles through self-expression.
SUSTAINABLE FASHION
with Melissa Fyne (she/her) of Fyne Products
Location: YWCA Board Room
About: Did you know? If we stopped all clothing consumption today, we would have enough clothing on Earth to last 6 generations?! This workshop is focused on understanding why there is so much overconsumption in the clothing industry and what happens to clothes once they get cleared out of someone’s closet. Participants will get an opportunity to reflect on their reasons for buying clothing and get an overview of tangible actions they can take to reduce the impact of textile waste. By discussing our collective habits and understanding broader waste systems, we can better focus our energy and action on the most impactful environmental protection actions. Reflecting on how our social values are reflected in our waste helps close the gap between understanding and action. Participants will be able to work with reclaimed materials to make an upcycled quilt. No sewing experience is necessary.
Workshop Block 2 (2:55-4:10pm)
Banff’s Wildlife Stories and What You Can Do To Help Wildlife
Tina Barzo, (she/her) together with Mary Harding (she/her), Banff National Park
Location: YWCA Great Room
About: Tina and Mary look forward to presenting to you about wildlife and how you can help!
This interactive presentation will cover some compelling wildlife stories, threats to wildlife habitat, how to practice the 7 Leave No Trace principles, and volunteering to help wildlife including leadership opportunities and advocacy, as in speaking up for wildlife! Some handouts will give you ideas of where to start with your “call to action for wildlife.”
I Watched Chapters End, While New Ones Began
with Gage Beaver (he/him), Nakoda Youth Council
Location: Outside, on the paths near Bow River
About: Listen, walk and learn outside alongside Gage Beaver of the Îyarhe Nakoda Nation. Gage will lead an outdoor walk along the Bow River near the Banff YWCA. Gage is an engaged youth and talented recording artist who looks forward to sharing his experiences and stories throughout different chapters in his life with you.
Workshop Block 3 (4:15-5:30pm)
Brave Talks: Mastering Tricky Chats
with Sophie Kuzik (she/her) Town of Canmore FCSS Co-ordinator
Location: YWCA Great Room
About: Having conversations is tough. Having tricky conversations about polarizing topics is even more challenging! This workshop will introduce tips for how to have compassionate and effective conversations while considering today’s increasingly polarized society. Context for the presentation considers Youth’s perspectives and space to ensure equitable and safe practices for all participants and listeners.
The goal of the session will be to learn, share, and listen to yourself, others, and the current research to ultimately assist in developing your communication skills for climate discussions and more.
Planet-based Cooking
with Dawn Byford (she/her), Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach
Location: YWCA Board Room
About: The future is on your plate! Join planet-based cook, Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant and educator, Dawn Byford, for a delicious, informative and hands-on experience. You'll make (and of course eat!) a Warm Cheezy Nacho Dip and snap into Brain Bark to fuel your afternoon.
Each participant will leave with recipes, snacks and inspiration for the future on your dinner table.
dinner!
We are thrilled to offer a free 3-course meal from Co+Kitchen.
Starter
- A mix of locally sourced beans like kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas, tossed with diced bell peppers, red onions, corn, and fresh herbs, and condiments from The Luigi Gourmet in a tangy dressing.
Main Course (Choice of)
- Canmore Pasta Co.'s fresh pasta with a hearty Bolognese sauce - Vegetarian: Canmore Pasta Co’s fresh pasta with tomato sauce filled with local veggies and mushrooms - Vegan and G/F Pesto Pasta: Gluten-free pasta from Canmore Pasta Co. coated in a homemade vegan pesto sauce with basil, garlic, sun flower and pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and nutritional yeast with the Olive jam from Epicurians on the side.
Dessert
- Local organic fruit crisp topped with a gluten-free oat crumble accompanied with Lovely Ice Cream - Gluten-free and vegan cookie from Gabby’s BakeryIn your registration, you can choose from a choice of
“Hi! We are the Future Leaders Youth Council. We are the folks behind the scenes helping bring this event to life. Hope to see you there!”
