Northern Youth at the Forefront: Reflections from the Arctic Youth Conference 2025

The Arctic Youth Conference (AYC) 2025 took place in Tromsø, Norway, bringing together passionate and visionary youth from across the circumpolar North for a powerful three-day gathering focused on leadership, climate change, Indigenous knowledge, and the future of the Arctic. With the support of the Norwegian Chairship of the Arctic Council, this year’s conference was a remarkable step toward centring youth in Arctic decision-making.

I had the opportunity to take part in a session hosted by Northern Youth Leadership on climate change education and leadership through land-based programming. The discussion focused on how on-the-land camps are helping northern youth build strong cultural connections, develop leadership skills, and gain a better understanding of the local impacts of climate change.

Participants shared stories from their communities and reflected on the role of Indigenous Knowledge in shaping meaningful responses to the environmental and social challenges facing the Arctic. The session made it clear that youth need long-term support to continue this work that respects their knowledge, priorities, and connection to the land.

Outside of the formal conference sessions, I had the chance to experience Tromsø through some unforgettable recreational activities that offered a different kind of connection to the place. I spent time exploring the city on foot, taking in the snow-covered streets and the calm beauty of the Arctic landscape. One afternoon was spent downhill skiing, which was both exhilarating and beautiful against the Norwegian backdrop. And in true northern fashion, I capped it off with a cold plunge in the Arctic Ocean. Each of these moments reminded me of the power of recreation not just for health, but for grounding, reflection, and connection to the land.

One moment that will stay with me for a long time was gathering with other participants at the Nomad Indigenous Food Lab. Sitting around the fire, sharing reindeer stew, and exchanging stories created such a strong sense of belonging. These informal, cultural spaces offered just as much learning and healing as any panel or workshop. They reminded me that relationships are central to any meaningful work in the North.

The NWTRPA works to promote recreation and active living in communities across the Northwest Territories by supporting leaders, building capacity, and advocating for programs that reflect and respect the North. Our work spans community recreation, land-based learning, and cultural leadership, always with a focus on equity, inclusion, and community well-being. That’s why this conference resonated so strongly with our mission: it showed the power of culturally rooted, youth-led leadership in action and underscored the importance of sustained investment in programs that bring people onto the land and back into their communities.

Some of my key takeaways from the conference include:

• Youth voices are powerful and essential in shaping the Arctic’s future.

• Indigenous Knowledges must be at the forefront of climate and leadership conversations.

• On-the-land education is vital, not just as a cultural practice but as a pathway to resilience and advocacy.

• Collaboration across Arctic regions leads to lasting friendships and shared purpose.

• Youth engagement needs to be sustained, not just event-based, through mentorship, funding, and inclusion in policy spaces.

I left the conference feeling energized, inspired, and hopeful about the future we’re building together. I’m proud that the NWTRPA continues to champion programs and partnerships that nurture leadership, culture, and connection to land across the territory.

Mahsi cho, Quana, Quyanainni, to all the youth, Elders, organizers, and partners who made this gathering such a meaningful experience. The connections formed, ideas exchanged, and stories shared will stay with us and guide us in the work ahead.

— David, Director of On the Land Programs, NWTRPA