This is Our Canada Tour and Emmanuel Jal

This is Our Canada is a movement of young Albertans engaging in debate about what it means to be Canadian and learning from our diverse experiences and histories. It comes out of a deep concern that the strength of our values are only as strong as the relationships between us as Canadians. From March 17-28, we will be touring the province with Juno-nominated artist, former child soldier and now peace-warrior Emmanuel Jal to get real on our thoughts about our country. For more information about Emmanuel, please see here.

These full day youth forums are for young people ages 16-28. The overarching goal of the regional youth forums are to unite the youth in and around the area to engage in conversation on issues that concern us around diversity, social inclusion and human rights. Out hope is that, by learning about our community's diversity, we can work closer together in re-imagining a Canadian identity that is inclusive and appreciative of Canada's many diverse peoples.

These events will give youth the opportunity to connect with others in their community around issues of social justice, explore diverse perspectives, reflect on relevant local social issues, have their voice heard and, ultimately, foster a community where all are included, accepted and embraced.

Register for Rocky Mountain House: March 17

Register for Edmonton: March 21

Register for High Prairie: March 23

Register for Cold Lake: March 25 

Register for Fort McMurray: March 27

At an evening potluck, we'll present our recommendations to local community leaders and challenge them to hear the perspective of youth in the community on issues that concern them. 

For more information or to register, please contact us today! 

Regional Youth Forum Program

8:15am-9:00am Arrival of participants and registration

9:00am -9:15am Opening and Welcome: Introducing Kanata

9:15 am -9:45 am Art Project: Exploring My Canadian Identity

9:45 am – 10:45pm Canadian Democracy and Identity
Through activities and discussions delegates will learn from each other’s perspectives on identity, community and Canadian democracy.

10:45 am - 12:00 pm Emmanuel Jal Keynote: From Child Soldier to Peace Warrior
EMMANUEL JAL was born into the life of a child solider on an unknown date in the early 1980s in the war-torn region of Southern Sudan. Through unbelievable struggles, Emmanuel managed to survive and go on to emerge as a recording artist, achieving worldwide acclaim for his unique style of hip hop with its message of peace and reconciliation born out of his personal experiences. Emmanuel has made Canada his home. In 2013, he came to Edmonton to speak at the Ignite Change Now! Global Youth Assembly and he made an impact on us.We believe his message is one that all of us in Canada can learn from.

12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch

1:00pm-1:45pm  Challenging Cultural Perceptions and Understanding Privilege
Youth will participate in energizing activities and thoughtful dialogue that will foster intercultural and interfaith awareness while also developing a deeper understanding of human rights and social inclusion.

1:45 pm - 2:30 pm Knowing Our History: Elder Teachings
Two local elders will share stories with you on local history and reflect on the diversity and well-being of the community.

2:30pm-3:30pm Xpress Your Voice: Photovoice Project
Using photography, delegates will get out into their community to explore community barriers and challenges and articulate these through visual imaging.

3:30pm-4:30pm Building a Case
Delegates will brainstorm recommendations for local elected officials and other community leaders that will address the barriers and challenges identified in the Photovoice project.  They will select one action idea to present at the community potluck.

Break

6:00pm-8:00pm The evening will be an open public community potluck. All local elected officials have been invited to participate and to hear the recommendations from the youth delegates.
May include performances and remarks.