Power of Being You 2024
Helping youth in our community realize there is power in being YOU!
Y Winnipeg is excited to be hosting this youth conference to support Gender-Based Violence Prevention and to promote discussion and dialogue about issues youth in our community face, including healthy relationships, self-esteem, inclusion, consent, internet safety and building confidence. This closed event is delivered in partnership with School Divisions in Manitoba for youth ages 12-14. The Power of Being You will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions and interactive activities.
This conference supports the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
Thank you to all who attended and presented during our 2024 even on February 13, 2024 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
2024 Youth Conference Agenda
9:15 – 9:30 | Welcome Message: Emcee Bianca Fox |
9:30 – 9:45 | Remarks: Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Families, Accessibility, and Women and Gender Equity |
9:45 – 9:50 | Mental Health ‘Container’: Rebecca Trudeau |
9:50 – 10:15 | Indigenous Drumming: Walking Wolf Singers |
10:15 – 10:45 | Keynote Speech: Angela Taylor, Founder, Inspire Community Outreach |
10:45 – 11:15 | Presentation: Internet Usage & Online Safety - Project 11 |
11:15 – 12:00 | Lunch |
12:00 – 1:00 | Breakout Activity 1: Tour of Canadian Museum of Human Rights |
12:00 – 1:00 | Breakout Activity 2: What’s Your Superpower? |
12:00 – 2:15 | Breakout Activity 3: Collaborative Community Artmaking |
12:00 – 2:15 | Breakout Activity 4: Gender and Drag - Bannock Babes |
1:00 – 1:15 | Break |
1:15 – 2:15 | Breakout Activity 5: Navigating Mental Health & Difference Through Art |
2:15 – 2:15 | Breakout Activity 6: Affirmation Bracelets |
2:15 – 2:45 | Closing Remarks: YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg |
2:45 – 3:00 | End-of-Day Wrap-up: Participant Survey |
Speakers/Artists
Bianca Fox
Bianca is a 45-year-old indigenous trans 2-spirit woman who is an activist/advocate for youth and her community. She is a sixties scoop survivor, has overcome homelessness and addiction and experienced racism, discrimination and loss.
Angela Taylor
Angela is the CEO and Founder of Inspire Community Outreach (a charity supporting families living with mental health issues and neurological/cognitive differences), and is a PhD Candidate, researching therapeutic care for the neurodivergent. She is also a multiply neurodivergent Manitoban, mother, author, and artist.
Rebecca Trudeau
Rebecca is the Director of Mental Health Services for Y Winnipeg where she guides programming for the psycho-social rehabilitation of individuals living with mental illness. Initially a graduate of the Community Development/Community Economic Development program at Red River College, she has continued her education in psychology and been certified in Counselling and Conflict Resolution and is a Certified Mental Health First Aid trainer.
Suzi Friesen
Suzi, Director of Educational Programs at True North Youth Foundation, leads a mental wellness initiative serving Grade K- 12 teachers and students in English and French. She has shared Project 11 across Canada, and parts of the U.S., Australia and the Himalayas.
Amy Rasmussen Waluk
Amy is a community helper committed to helping people experience and maintain a good life. Amy runs a therapy clinic in the Interlake, helps strengthen and build programs at Project 11 and teaches teachers in training at the University of Winnipeg.
Art City
Breakout art activities led by Art City, a community art centre that offers high quality, free-of-charge art programming to those who need or wish to express themselves creatively.
Bannock Babes
The Bannock Babes are a collective of Indigenous Drag artists in Winnipeg Manitoba. Their first event was March 2019 where they helped raise funds for local charities including the 2 Spirit Pow Wow. They have performed for a No Stone Unturned concert. The Bannock Babes participated in Read By Queens at the Winnipeg Art Gallery during the Kent Monkman exhibit then months later were invited to be part of a mural unveiling by artist Peter Thomas that was painted with the collaboration of Synonym Art Consultation on an outdoor basketball court in St.Boniface. They have also participated in a piece which was published for the Canada Arts Magazine and were asked to view the Born in Power Art Exhibit & share their opinions which will be on the Winnipeg Art Gallery website shortly. Also forthcoming is a CBC News story that was recently recorded.
You may not see them making bannock, but these babes come from 3 different provinces originally and are hard to forget because of their efforts to raise awareness on issues such as inclusivity.
Walking Wolf Singers
Walking wolf singers are a sought-after drum group not only in Manitoba but in North America that was established over 20 years ago. The group loves to be able to promote and education others of their Indigenous identity, culture, and stories by showcasing their talents.
Contact the Coordinator
If you have questions about the event, contact the coordinator, Kenzie Caldwell at Kenzie.Caldwell@ymanitoba.ca.
Funded by the Government of Manitoba.