Name: Indigenous Youth Rising Conference
Start: 2025-03-14T17:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-03-15T16:00:00-06:00
Location: Paul Byrne Hall (9-100)

The Past Moving Us Forward: Youth coming together to rise up, connect, and inspire change
About this Event

Welcome to the Indigenous Youth Rising Conference!

Date: March 14th - 15th, 2025

Location: Paul Byrne Hall (9-100)

This event brings together Indigenous youth to reflect on the lessons of the past while empowering them to shape the future. "The Past Moving Us Forward" focuses on the power of youth to rise, connect with one another, and inspire positive transformation in their communities and beyond. Through interactive sessions and collaborative activities, participants will have the opportunity to explore the possibilities available at MacEwan and envision themselves as part of our community. This gathering will foster a spirit of unity and belonging, encouraging young people to honour the past as they lead the way forward.

KEYNOTE speakers are Bernie Makokis,

Paulina Alexis, ‘Wagiya Cizhan’ (Young Eagle) is an Indigenous actress born on September 7, 2000. She is a full-blooded ‘born & raised’ member of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Tribe in central Alberta, Canada. She is the youngest and only daughter of Robbie and Yvette Alexis; sister of Brandon, Nathan and Logan Alexis. She is the granddaughter to the late Logan Alexis; world renowned Roundance singer and song maker. Named after her late grandmother Pauline Potts who was known to be ‘unpredictable, tiny and fierce’; which makes it not surprising where Paulina inherited her ‘eye of the tiger’ spirit from. Paulina’s family tree spreads across the Treaty Six, Seven and Eight Territories in Alberta. Her tribe is very proud and supportive with her journey into the film industry. Her strong family values and rich Nakota Stoney heritage have customary rules she follows; be proud of who you are and where you come from, always acknowledge the territory you’re in and always respect your elders and all life around you.

Rebecca Strong, a 21-year-old singing sensation hailing from the Denesuline First Nation in Stony Rapids, Sk., now calls Prince Albert home. With a lifelong passion for music, she took to the stage at just 5 years old, captivating audiences ever since. While she dazzles at local events, it's her electrifying live performances on TikTok that have garnered widespread acclaim. Notably, Rebecca earned the coveted golden buzzer on Canada's Got Talent. Rebecca was also the third season Winner of Canada’s Got Talent, propelling her closer to her dream of becoming a global superstar and representing her culture and country with pride.

With presentations from MacEwan Campus, including the Chemistry Department, Sport & Wellness, kihêw waciston's Knowledge Keepers, the School of Business, the Faculty of Fine Arts & Communication, and many more.

Students must be between the ages of 14-17 and accompanied by a chaperone (1 chaperone per every 6 students). Chaperone is required to register and pay registration fee.

We prefer payment by credit card; however, if you need to pay by cheque, please follow the instructions below: