It wasn’t long ago that many of the young people in the room felt quiet and unsure. This spring, they were leading the conversation.
One of Planet Youth Calgary’s (Planet Youth’s) Youth Elders shared that sentiment, openly and honestly.
“At first a lot of us were very quiet, awkward and the space felt very uncomfortable.”
At Planet Youth’s recent Pipe Ceremony however, many of those once-quiet voices were leading the conversation.
Throughout the ceremony, many of them echoed a collective acknowledgement.
Connection takes time. It takes investment. It takes commitment.
And that realization made room for confidence. One youth reflected on how their past feelings of discomfort had been transformed into a sense of community.
“As we focused on building connection at Youth Council by having youth talk with one another over time, the connections were slowly built.”
“When a young person feels that sense of belonging, something shifts for them.” said an older leader at the event.
That sense of belonging is at the heart of Planet Youth. Led by United Way, the initiative researches what young people need to thrive, and works with schools, families and community partners to turn those insights into action.
In Planet Youth‘s Indigenous Parallel, youth come together through storytelling, ceremony and Indigenous ways of knowing. These spaces build confidence and cultural connection, helping Indigenous youth thrive.
As National Indigenous History Month begins, this Pipe Ceremony offers a powerful reminder of the importance of Indigenous youth voice, cultural connection and community-led learning.
It created an opportunity for non-Indigenous youth and community members to experience Indigenous oral practices through stories, teachings and ceremony.
Together, youth, Elders, caregivers, educators and community members reflected on the past year, shared what youth were experiencing and looked toward the work ahead.
It was honest and deeply moving, shaped by young people speaking with growing confidence as Elders listened intently.
Several Elders reflected on their own youth, when finding services often meant navigating challenges without the same sense of support, connection and opportunity.
“When we were growing up, there was no resource, no help. We were on our own.”
They spoke about how inspiring it was to hear young people stand up and speak honestly.
“I’m impressed with the energy of youth. If I could read into the future, I could see so many professionals here.”
Everyone shared a meal following the ceremony. Over food, the confidence youth had built over time carried into conversation, relationship-building and the making of relatives beyond the ceremony.
What began as uncertainty had become a community connected through trust, culture and shared purpose. That’s the vision behind Planet Youth Calgary, creating the conditions for every young person to feel they belong.