On October 28, more than 125 elementary students and 27 educators from 24 schools across Grey and Bruce counties gathered at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound for the fourth annual Youth Climate Action Conference (YCAC). The event provided a platform for students, educators, and community organizations to come together, learn, and collaborate on climate action initiatives.
The day opened with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Drummers and a land blessing, followed by remarks from Saugeen First Nation Chief Conrad Ritchie and Chippewas of Nawash Acting Chief Jessica Keeshig-Martin. Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs introduced the keynote presentation by St. Mary’s High School teacher John Watkins and students from the Green Industries program. Watkins and his students shared their experience designing, installing, and planting several new community garden spaces at their school with support from the Town of The Blue Mountains Youth Climate Action Fund.
Over the course of the day, students participated in hands-on workshops that explored water, land, and energy themes, facilitated by organizations such as Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Coastal Waters Monitoring Program, and local community change-makers. Through one workshop, students planted a mini forest of 160 trees and shrubs on the Bayshore property. Students also participated in a Change-making 101 workshop, where they explored what brings them joy, their superpower, and what’s needed in the world to help them come up with an action project.
“Grey County is proud to support this initiative and see YCAC continue to grow and inspire young people across our region,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “Both student participants and the student leaders are developing the skills and passion needed to drive meaningful climate action for years to come.”
The day concluded with students sharing their project ideas in an energized session at the end of the day, including creating pollinator gardens and starting a school composting program.
While students were in sessions, teachers participated in a full day of professional development on how to connect climate to their curriculum, led by Learning for a Sustainable Future.
The conference was organized by The Sustainability Project, with support from Learning for a Sustainable Future, Grey County, City of Owen Sound, Bluewater District School Board, Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, local climate action teams, and financial contributions from over ten community organizations.
The conference supports the work of Grey County’s climate change action plan, Going Green in Grey. To learn more about Grey County’s Climate Action Plan, Going Green in Grey, visit www.grey.ca/climate-action. For more information on the conference or to learn about becoming a year-round school mentor for student action projects, visit www.ycac.info.
