From May 19-20, 2026, we were honoured to participate in Indigenous Awareness Week at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) in Ottawa. We took part as both vendors and presenters, sharing information about Y4Y Canada and the projects we lead.
Indigenous Awareness Week is a government-wide initiative that brings together public servants from more than 33 Government of Canada departments. The week featured a range of learning sessions and experiences designed to increase understanding and awareness of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada. In addition to those attending in person, many public servants joined virtually from across the country.
Throughout the three-day event, we hosted an information table where participants could learn more about our youth-led work. We shared information about our cultural programming through Kîšâc as well as our Talk Overdose project, which focuses on opioid awareness, stigma reduction, and community education. We had many meaningful conversations with public servants who were interested in learning how youth-led initiatives can support health, culture, and community well-being.
We were also invited to give a presentation about Y4Y Canada. During our session, we spoke about how we started the organization, the importance of creating opportunities for youth leadership, and the impact of our workshops and outreach programs. We highlighted the Talk Overdose project and discussed how education, empathy, and open conversations can help address the ongoing overdose crisis affecting many communities across Canada.
The event also included several powerful cultural and educational experiences. Participants had the opportunity to attend a Tipi Raising and Teaching led by Elder Jane Chartrand, where they learned about the teachings, history, and significance of the tipi. The week began with an Opening Ceremony and Fire Blessing led by Elder Jane Chartrand, creating a welcoming space for learning, reflection, and relationship-building.
We are grateful to the Public Health Agency of Canada for inviting us to participate in this important event. Opportunities like Indigenous Awareness Week help create space for dialogue, learning, and greater understanding. As young Indigenous leaders, we are always encouraged to see people from across Canada taking time to learn more about Indigenous cultures, histories, and contemporary experiences.
Thank you to everyone who visited our table, attended our presentation, and took part in the week's activities. We look forward to continuing these conversations and building connections through culture, education, and community engagement.
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