REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE 2025 VIAYOUTH SUMMIT!

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"I have built friendships with people that I can see lasting forever."

"Motivate Canada has impacted my life by encouraging and motivating me to apply my skills and strengths towards making a tangible difference in my community. After the motivate Atlantic summit in 2018, I secured 2 grants that allowed me to promote the mental health and well-being of people in my community. To say that Motivate Canada was transformative would be an understatement. I am so beyond grateful for all this opportunity has given me, thank you Motivate Canada!"
Katie Murray - 2018 ViaYOUTH Atlantic Delegate

"Starting out, I was a little unsure because I am pretty closed off with my emotions. Near the end, I realized I had a whole new family, who would accept me no matter what my anxiety or depression looks like. I realized that the delegates, the Youth Leaders, were the ViaYOUTH Summit. To be a part of something so powerful, I almost felt undeserving… until everyone accepted me, and all my ideas. It was such an empowering experience, hard to put into words. (Made everyone there feel significant, our ideas significant, our feelings significant)."
2019 ViaYOUTH Summit Delegate

ViaYOUTH Summit Testimonies:

"Through the 2020 ViaYOUTH Summit with Motivate Canada, I would say that I was reminded to keep an open mind. My beliefs were challenged, and I appreciated that a lot. Oftentimes I think we get caught up in our own personal problems and forget that there are other people with similar issues, and that we are not alone in our struggle. That connection made with others through our collective struggles and wins was empowering for myself and the rest of the participants. The non-judgmental environment at the Summit allowed for great exchanges in information, because there was no fear or varying power dynamics, just a group of open-minded people sharing their stories and opinions, it was special!!"
Greg Wesley - 2020 ViaYOUTH Summit Delegate

I was thrilled to have been afforded the opportunity to attend the 2020 ViaYOUTH Summit. As I reflect, there were many key takeaways from my experience. I found value in meeting and networking with like-minded youth from across the country, and I am eager and excited to exercise the connections I have made in my future vocational endeavors. I loved learning about how to properly demonstrate allyship towards Indigenous peoples, as well as members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Finally, one of the key highlights for me was being able to take part in a smudging ceremony, as I have never been a part of one before. I thought it was beautiful and I felt honoured to participate.
Kelsey Fahie - 2020 VIaYOUTH Summit Delegate

My greatest highlight from the 2020 ViaYOUTH Summit was the profound and meaningful conversations I had with fellow delegates. Conversations about leadership, privilege, camaraderie, and more; the kind of conversations that metaphorically light the fire under your feet and boost you to persevere through the barriers that a delegate may be experiencing. It reinforced the lesson I first learned at United Way, that a community can only be great if it’s great for everyone that lives in it #StrongerTogether.
Soraya Bellou - 2020 ViaYOUTH Summit Delegate

My favourite part of the 2022 Virtual ViaYOUTH Summit was the fact that I was able to meet and learn from so many people all around Canada. Especially after being in lockdowns for so long, even though the connections were virtual, it was much needed.
Serene Al-Balkhi - 2022 Virtual ViaYOUTH Summit

The Recreation and Parks Association of Nunavut (RPAN) supported two young leaders in the recreation sector to attend the 2020 ViaYouth Summit in Vancouver...the experience changed them! They were introduced to new friends; to a new city; to a new program! They returned home with new confidence; new passion; new desire to make a difference in their communities and in the Nunavut Territory. Quentin Sala and Nathan Mannilaq continue to share with other young Nunavummiut leaders their experience at the 2020 ViaYouth Summit...in fact, in listening to the young men talk about those who made a difference, RPAN invited two Motivate Canada guests to participate in our youth training programs. Sometimes, we are not fully aware of how significant an opportunity is until we hear from those who participated. RPAN will continue to support other young Nunavummiut leaders to attend the ViaYouth Summit, and encourages other organizations to provide youth this opportunity!
Dawn Currie MacKinnon: The Recreation and Parks Association of Nunavut (RPAN)

A very good friend of mine is a staff member at Motivate Canada and she asked me and our friend Serene to join the summit. I thought to myself "why not? It's just going to be three days." So I did and it was one of the best experiences I have had in a long time. I loved the guest speakers and the breaks where we'd put music on and dance. It was just PURE fun. I didn't worry about anything in those moments. The guest speakers spoke from the heart.
Danny Dankha - 2022 Virtual ViaYOUTH Summit

The days leading up to the summit brought upon lots of 'what if's' and nervous energy - I've always found making connections and putting myself out there daunting. But after spending time with everyone, getting to know their stories and having a safe space to foster new friendships and feel a part of a welcoming community of so many inspiring and inspirational individuals, they truly showed me that it's OK to put myself out there and go for those opportunities that come along . . . Because you never know what will come from it if you don't try - maybe a chance to build your skills, network, collaborate, have fun, or even a
few new friends.
Alyssa Conrad, 2024 ViaYOUTH Summit

2024 Motivate youth summit in Halifax was an amazing experience. I was lucky enough to attend my first summit and it will not be my last, thankful for the opportunity to meet so many positive and hard-working individuals that make a difference in there community's. This was a very eye-opening experience to hear so many different perspectives and stories from delegates and guest speakers across the country. Highly recommended and a 10/10 first experience.
Breton McNeil, 2024 ViaYOUTH Summit

Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have attended Motivate Canada's Via YOUTH summit. Meeting like minded individuals from around Canada who want to create change in their communities was so inspiring. I left the summit with the tools I need to accomplish anything I set my mind to. And I’m so thankful for the impactful connections I have made! Thank you, thank you, thank you Motivate Canada!!
Jane Nicholson, 2023 ViaYOUTH Summit

At first, I was a bit apprehensive about attending the youth summit, as I was going through a tough time in other areas of my life. From the very first moment of meeting the group, I was welcomed with open arms and so much exciting energy. All my worries were gone, as I was accepted into the space just as I was. I ended the weekend filled with more energy than I came in with. The sense of community, love, and inspiration was exactly what I needed at that time. I met so many incredible people, and even continued to build deeper connections after the summit with some folks that I met during the Summit.
Savanna Francis, 2024 ViaYOUTH Summit

Attending the ViaYOUTH Summit was undeniably life-changing for me. Not only did I have the opportunity to meet incredible new friends from all corners of Canada, but these connections have persisted long after the summit's conclusion. I found myself forming genuine bonds with both the staff and volunteers, creating a supportive and welcoming environment throughout the event. The sessions were engaging and enlightening, while the outings provided moments of pure joy and excitement. As I reflect on my experience, I am filled with anticipation for the future and eagerly look forward to remaining an active part of this inspiring community for years to come.
Jenna Kedy, 2024 ViaYOUTH Summit

Going into this summit, I wasn't sure if it would really be beneficial to me because of the minimal knowledge I had of the summit. I was mostly going to act as support for a fellow youth who we, the Ulnooweg Education Centre, had invited. During the first day, I quickly realized that this was something I was meant to be at. Through genuine conversation, stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing laughs with strangers: the tone of the weekend was set. From the very beginning, Motiva Canada created a very open and safe space. The staff greeted you with the brightest smile and made an effort to speak to every delegate.

Through a variety of different sessions ranging from understanding gratitude to forming deeper relationships, I was encouraged to empower myself to believe that I did have the power to make a difference. Bringing like minded and powerful Indigenous youth together where they can share their thoughts was a feeling I will be chasing forever. It was truly inspiring to be around individuals who have and will continue to take initiative to better their communities. Motive Canada has given me a jolt of inspiration, new leadership skills and most importantly, a community of people to lean on. Wela'liek to everyone on the Motive Canada team for such an experience."
Jalisa Charles, 2023 ViaYOUTH Summit

A key highlight for me from the 2021 ViaYOUTH Summit was how comfortable the space was. I’m a very shy ridden person and was surprised at how much I talked. Also loved that people were going through the same “put on the back burner” situation when going to doctors about mental health. I’m glad I got more resources that could help me with that.
Taylor Halvorsen, 2021 Virtual ViaYOUTH Summit

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