International Youth Day - Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Alberta

International Youth Day 2025 is now over. Thank you to everyone who made the day a success. We’ll see you again in 2027!

Every two years, we host a community event for International Youth Day. The theme for 2025 was “Advocacy Through Storytelling,” highlighting how personal stories can inspire change, express identity, and build understanding. When young people share their lived experiences, they make space for connection, visibility, and action.

It was a day of powerful speakers, creative performances, interactive booths, prizes, and more.

Feel free to check out the details from the 2025 event below and watch this space in the Spring of 2027 for details on our next event.

Who: Youth ages 10-24

What: Free event to celebrate International Youth Day

Where: NorQuest College, 10215 108 St NW, Edmonton, AB

When: August 12, 2025 (next event is in 2027)

What’s Happening on Youth Day:

Live Performance: Notorious Cree

James Jones (he/him), known as Notorious Cree, is a Nêhiyaw (Cree) artist from Tall Cree First Nation in Treaty 8 Territory, Northern Alberta.

With over 6 million followers online, James uses his platform to use his voice to educate and spread awareness on the issues impacting Indigenous communities across the globe, raise awareness, and spark change.

As a traditional hoop and powwow dancer, performance artist, youth workshop facilitator and public speaker, James advocates to inspire future generations by reclaiming his culture and encouraging others to do the same.

Meet your Emcee: TJ Thompson

TJ Thompson (he/him) is a multitalented artist, advocate for youth voice, and community leader. As the founder of River City Radio and the creative force behind Vintage $oul, TJ uses his voice to uplift others, share lived experiences, and spotlight local talent.

A valuable member of the OCYA Youth Council, TJ is passionate about youth advocacy and has contributed meaningfully to projects that elevate the voices of young people in care.

TJ is proud to bring his energy and creativity to the stage as this year’s International Youth Day emcee. He’s excited to celebrate young voices and help create an unforgettable experience.

Meet your Emcee: Autumn Sampson

Autumn Sampson (she/her) is a passionate advocate, thoughtful leader, and proud former youth in care. Since 2022, she has brought curiosity, warmth, and a strong voice to the OCYA Youth Council, leading projects like Diverse Paths and helping shape more inclusive systems for racialized youth.

Autumn has shared her lived experience with decision-makers, and has been a strong voice in the media, on youth rights panels, and as an emcee at the LRCY Conference. Whether supporting rights education, advising on major reports, or welcoming new youth to the table, Autumn leads with compassion, intention, and integrity. She’s excited to bring her energy to the stage as one of this year’s International Youth Day emcees, celebrating youth voices and inspiring change.

Keynote Speaker: Piyêsiw Crane

Piyêsiw Crane (she/they) is a Nêhiyaw Iskwew from Nipiskopahk, Maskwacîs. They are a queer and disabled mother, full-spectrum birth worker, and lactation counselor, whose work centers community care and Indigenous sovereignty.

As a former youth in care, Piyêsiw brings powerful lived experience to their advocacy for Indigenous youth, working to disrupt cycles of disconnection.

Piyêsiw leads with relational accountability, blending frontline support, systems change, and a vision for intergenerational healing.

DJ: Jaylin January

Jaylin January (he/him) is one of Edmonton’s most sought-after DJs over the past decade. He is a versatile artist, producer, DJ, and audio engineer dedicated to uplifting and building the community. Jaylin’s energy and passion shine in every project, making him a dynamic performer. Jaylin DJs for various community and corporate events, always representing his brand and culture to the fullest.

Youth Vendors

Explore a vibrant marketplace of interactive booths run by talented young entrepreneurs.

From handmade goods to innovative services, these youth-led vendors showcase creativity, passion, and the power of youth-driven business.

Stop by to support their work, ask questions, and get inspired by the next generation of changemakers.

Prizes

Get ready for exciting giveaways!

Every hour on the hour, we’ll be holding a prize draw — and you could be one of the lucky winners.

From gift cards to fun merch and surprise items, there’s something for everyone.

Just show up, join in, and your name might be called!

And so much more:

Snacks, stories, self-expression!

Enjoy delicious snacks like popcorn, cotton candy, bubble tea from BTCL coffee lab, bannock sandwiches from Kim’s Cree-ations, and more!
Express yourself through an interactive, life-sized, poetry cut-out session
Check out Xperience360, a next-level photobooth experience with a camera that orbits around up to 6 people while filming a 360-degree slow-motion video.

Getting there

Free Transit Passes

We are pleased to partner with ETS to provide attendees free transit passes for International Youth Day. Passes are available at several local partner agencies throughout Edmonton. Please email amplify@ocya.alberta.ca for details on where you can pick up a free pass.