MacEwan University's kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre brings back the oskaya êkiskwayihtamowin osihcikêwin Indigenous Youth Rising Conference on March 9 with exciting special guests and more opportunities for Indigenous youth (age 12 to 17) to explore post-secondary education, celebrate culture and connect with Indigenous role models.

"In honouring our place in O-day'min, I’m incredibly proud MacEwan is once again hosting this inspirational conference, creating cultural experiences to engage Indigenous youth,” says Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor. "By connecting our young people with Indigenous role models, they are able to see the potential for themselves in a post-secondary setting. I applaud the conference organizers as we look forward to a remarkable day.”

Last year's inaugural conference welcomed 3,000 virtual attendees, including groups and classrooms of students from across Canada and parts of the United States. Through teachings and songs from Knowledge Keepers to watching performances by beloved TikTok stars, the conference engaged with young learners and provided a memorable experience connecting cultural spirit back to education.

"We want youth to have an exciting and engaging day, and to be exposed to the cultural knowledge that grounds us as Indigenous peoples, whether they have been raised in their culture or are newly reconnecting," says Crystal Swan-Pennell, coordinator in kihêw waciston.

Reflecting MacEwan's strategic vision of teaching greatness, the Indigenous Youth Rising Conference redefines what it means to deliver exceptional learning. For some attendees, the conference may be the first time they receive teachings from a Knowledge Keeper or dance in a pow wow. (A live-streamed round dance on kihêw waciston's Facebook page concludes the event.)

"​Last year we received incredible feedback — the conference was a much-needed opportunity for youth to feel connected and have some fun during a really challenging time," says Swan-Pennell. "This year, our hope is that everyone will continue to learn something new."

In addition to teachings by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the conference includes other Indigenous role models, like music artists Spur Pourier and Rebecca Strong, Two-Spirit mental health advocate and TikTok personality Kairyn Potts, legal advocate Andre Bear and Reservation Dogs star D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.

The conference will also showcase MacEwan alum Mallory Yawnghwe (BCom '18), who is the president and CEO of startup company Indigenous Box and is working toward a master of business administration.

"The hope is that youth will come away from the conference feeling inspired and motivated," says Swan-Pennell. "We want them to envision new paths for themselves and know that they can achieve their dreams.”

To attend the virtual conference, register online.