The 5th Annual Aboriginal Youth Explosion took place this year on May 6, 2016 and it was a memorable experience for all who were in attendance as we celebrated and were inspired by some of the amazing youth Canada Bridges has worked this year. Seventeen courageous young leaders shared their personal wisdom stories through song, dance, story, poetry, videos and "rocking out" with numerous volunteers and more than 250 community members from Siksika, Morley, Tsuu T'ina, Calgary and beyond. You can check out the photos from the night by visiting the Canada Bridges Flickr page.
A number of friends who were not able to attend the event, but who sent greetings to the youth and our guests! This included the Honourable Caroline Bennett who joined us via video message - we hope that we have the opportunity to welcome her next year in person!
[video width="480" height="270" mp4="http://www.canadabridges.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Minister-Bennett.mp4" preload="auto"][/video]
This event would not be possible without the generous support from our volunteers, REDx Talks / Iiniistsi Treaty Arts Society and our partners: Suncor Energy, St Mary`s University, Repsol, Alberta T-shirt Supply, Darko DH Photography and Nero Productions.
Hopefully you are excited as we are for AYE 2017 next year! If so, please help us find a NEW NAME for the Aboriginal Youth Explosion! As Trevor Solway put it "it's time for the word 'Aboriginal' to go." It was the youth who chose the name Aboriginal Youth Explosion in 2012, and we'll be engaging again with youth and elders in a selection process going forward. To share your suggestions and inputs, please email suggestions to aye@www.canadabridges.com.
Thank you for helping us making the 2016 Aboriginal Youth Explosion a success and we look forward to seeing you in 2017!
