Advocacy through Storytelling International Youth Day
Your Voice Leads. We’ll Listen.
The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is excited to host an event in celebration of International Youth Day on Tuesday, August 12.
This year’s theme, “Advocacy Through Storytelling,” highlights 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.
Join us for a day of powerful speakers, creative performances, interactive booths, prizes, and more through poetry, art, conversation, performance, or any medium that matters to you!
Who: Youth ages 14-24
What: Free event to celebrate International Youth Day
Where: NorQuest College, 10215 108 St NW, Edmonton, AB
When: August 12, 2025 (11am to 3pm)
What’s Happening on Youth Day:
Live Performance: Notorious Cree
James Jones, 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.
Keynote Speaker: Piyêsiw Crane
Piyêsiw Crane is a Nêhiyaw Iskwew from Nipiskopahk, Maskwacîs. She is 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 her 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.
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, 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.
Parking
There are several parking lots around the venue as well as street parking. The button below will show you where NorQuest parking lots are located.
Questions?
For event inquiries, please email amplify@ocya.alberta.ca
Questions?
For event inquiries, please email amplify@ocya.alberta.ca
