2026 Youth Teepee Summit

5th Annual Youth Teepee Summit

Join us for interactive workshops, inspirational speakers, teepee teachings, round dancing and more!

July 28- 30, 2026

at the beautiful Northeast River Valley Event Centre in Edmonton!

Limited capacity. Registration closes June 30, 2026

The Youth Teepee summit is ideal for ages 12-19 years of age.

What is the Youth Teepee Summit?

The Youth Teepee Summit brings together Indigenous youth from across the province to connect, participate in cultural, physical and educational activities, and interact with inspirational Elders and speakers.

The mission of the Youth Teepee Summit is to empower Indigenous youth through connection, culture and guidance from Elders, speakers and facilitators. The Youth Teepee Summit is a gathering of many voices to share knowledge, wisdom and experiences.

This summit is a hopeful and solution-oriented approach to empower our youth by moving forward reconciliation to reconcili-ACTION!

2026 Teepee Summit Theme: Voices of Tomorrow, Guided by Tradition

GUEST SPEAKERS AND ARTIST

Guest Speaker
Kelly Babstock

Guest Artist
Sarah Hall

Guest Speaker
Alex Flett

Guest Speaker
Alexis Moerman
Telus Spark Science Team

Guest Speaker
Brendon Many Bears
Telus Spark Science Team

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

We invite sponsors and partners to be part of our community by offering the opportunity to connect their brand to a great cause.
We are incredibly thankful for their generosity with helping us host the 4th annual Youth Teepee Summit.
To support and learn more about our sponsors click on the logos below.

A global technology company, driving energy innovation for a balanced planet.

Specialty Employee Benefits Program for organizations with Indigenous Employees

A leading polytechnic committed to your success

Calgary’s Science Centre

A premier integrated midstream infrastructure company that connects crude oil supply to key demand centers in the U.S. and Canada

IN-KIND DONATIONS

Call Outs & Committees

Call out for Speakers, Dancers, Drummers and more!

Voices of Tomorrow, Guided by Tradition is this year’s theme. We’re seeking engaging topics and interactive workshops that honor cultural roots while equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to shape their futures.

View/Download PDF Poster

Call for Vendors

We are seeking interactive, non-sales vendors who can inspire and engage youth through:
• Live demonstrations
• Hands-on activities
• Educational displays
• Program or service showcases

Vendors may not sell products, but may offer free promotional items, brochures, business cards, or small giveaways.

View/Download PDF Poster

Teepee Summit FAQs

What ages are able to attend?

The Youth Teepee summit is ideal for ages 12-19 years of age.

I'm attending from outside of Edmonton, where can I stay?

Please monitor our website for updates on hotel rates. We are currently developing special discounted rates for families, which will be published once finalized.

Is there transportation available?

Not at this time. Please monitor our website for updates.

What are the costs to attend?

It’s FREE for all indigenous youth and accompanying adults across Alberta

Craft supplies are provided.

The summit will provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout all three days of the event, from Tuesday, July 28 to Thursday, July 30, 2026. Dinner will also be served on Tuesday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 29.

Accommodation and travel expenses are not covered for attendees traveling from outside Edmonton.

Will there be vendors on site?

Yes, we’ll have various vendors and their tents set up. Vendors would be our sponsors, educational institutions, industries, indigenous artists. If you are a vendor and would like to have your tent set up at our event, please apply when we are open for applications, there is a $200 charge for vendors.

*Please note that this event is not accepting vendors who attend to sell merchandise, our focus is providing valuable resources and information to our attendees. *

I'm a vendor, am I able to set up at tent?

If your organization aligns with these areas and is focused on Sharing knowledge, opportunities, or services, we welcome your participation. If you have registered with the intent to sell products or merchandise, we kindly ask that you reconsider your participation or adjust your booth to meet the events educational and service-oriented goals.

Vendors may not sell products, but may offer free promotional items, brochures, business cards, or small giveaways.

Thank you for understanding, your support making this event a meaningful experience for all of our attendees.

When: July 28th & 29th, 2026
Where: Northeast River Valley Park located at 903 – 153 Avenue NE, Edmonton (map)
Times: July 28 – 9 am to 5 pm
July 29 – 9 am to 5 pm

Vendors must supply their own table, tent, and chairs in quantities appropriate for the number of staff they bring. Tents must be weighted down with sand bags. No staking allowed.

VENDOR APPLICATION FORM

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026, stay turned for registration.

A vendor fee of $200.00 is required to participate. A donation of a door prize for our youth attendees would be greatly appreciated as a gesture of support and encouragement. For more information, please contact us at [email protected]

I would like to do a presentation at the summit, how can I apply?

We’re looking for Emcees, Drummers, Dancers, Indigenous Leaders, Professional Actors, Professional Actresses, Professional Athletes, Speakers, and Facilitators. If you are still interested, you can apply to present on the Call Out Form.

APPLY TO PRESENT

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

2025 Youth Teepee Summit Videos

2024 Youth Teepee Summit Videos

2024 Youth Teepee Summit
Highlights

2024 Youth Teepee Summit
Teaser video

2024 Youth Teepee Summit
Welcome video

2024 Youth Teepee Summit
Thank You video

Vendors

Please note that this event is not accepting vendors who intend to sell merchandise. Our focus is on providing valuable resources and information to our attendees. We are specifically seeking vendors and exhibitors from the following sectors:

Education
Health & Wellness
Construction & Trades
Workforce Development & Employment Services

If your organization aligns with these areas and is focused on sharing knowledge, opportunities, or services, we welcome your participation. If you have registered with the intent to sell products or merchandise, we kindly ask that you reconsider your participation or adjust your booth to meet the event’s educational and service-oriented goals.

Thank you for your understanding and support in making this event a meaningful experience for all attendees.

Vendor applications are now closed.

2024 Vendors

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!

$10,000

$5,000

$2,500

In-kind Donations

Previous Youth Teepee Summits

2025 Youth Teepee Summit

2025 Youth Teepee Summit Agenda

* Schedule subjected to change

How to Get Here

The Youth Teepee Summit is being held at the Northeast River Valley Event Centre (Google Map Location).

FREE park and ride provided by Edmonton Transit services for the following pick up locations:

• Sandman Hotel 17635 Stony Plain Rd
• Edmonton Inn 11834 Kingsway
• Holiday Inn 13742 50 St

2025 Youth Teepee Summit
Guest Speakers and Artists

Conway Kootenay

Emcee
Comedian, MC, Actor, Stunt Man and Champion Chicken Dancer

Brianna Lizotte

Guest Performer
JUNO Nominated Fiddler, Recording Artist & Performer

Katie and Taylor

Katie & Taylor

Guest Activity Coordinators
Amazing Race Season 10 Winners

Jada Hatfield

Guest Artist
Artist, Published Children’s Book Illustrator, Student

Harlan Kingfisher

Keynote Speaker
Clothing Brand Creator, Executive Producer, Former Junior A Hockey Player

Chubby Cree

Guest Entertainment
Drum Group

Pins and Pine Needles Quilt Guild

Guest Artisans
Quilting Guild

Mat Cardinal

Keynote Speaker & Talent Show Facilitator
Musician

Brooks Arcand-Paul

Guest Speaker
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)

Rachel Gour

Guest Speaker
Stylist,
Instructor
Hair Industry Education Professional

Colin Patterson

Guest Speaker
Stanley Cup Winner Calgary Flames Alumni

A'sitapiiksi Powwow Club

A’sitapiiksi Powwow Club

Guest Performers
Powwow Dancers

Joanna Rose Campiou

Guest Speaker
Native Cultural Arts instructor
Champion Fancy Dancer
Business Owner

Kendra Kowerchuk

Gwen Muskwa

Guest Speaker
Treaty Relations Director

2025 Youth Teepee Summit
Thank you Sponsors and Supporters

We invite sponsors and partners to be part of our community by offering the opportunity to connect their brand to a great cause.
We are incredibly thankful for their generosity with helping us host the 4th annual Youth Teepee Summit.
To support and learn more about our sponsors click on the logos below.

In-kind supporters

Treaty 6

Treaty 8

2025 Youth Teepee Summit Videos

2024 Youth Teepee Summit

Indigenous youth from across the province gathered together for the 2024 Youth Teepee Summit at the Northeast River Valley Event Centre in Edmonton July 29-31. The third annual event saw many inspirational speakers take the stage including Elders, Olympians, storytellers, entrepreneurs and entertainers.

Youth participated in hands-on cultural activities as well as hockey, curling, soccer, volleyball, and visited the many info tables on-site. Well over a hundred attendees and 36 vendors participated in the Youth Teepee Summit over the course of the three-day event.

Day One: Sports & Recreation

Starting day one with a Grand Entry, an opening prayer from Leanne Sleigh, the Canadian national anthem sung in Cree by Kiya Bruno, and opening remarks from dignitaries, the agenda then moved into exploring the themes of sports & recreation with a presentation from Russ Sheppard on the Power of Sport.

Russ is an international advocate for the importance of sports in the development of youth. He taught at Kugluktuk High School in Nunuvut from 1998 to 2005 and started a school enrichment program known as Team Grizzly. While teaching, playing and leading Lacrosse at the school he witnessed how the power of sport can improve the lives of youth. His experience was captured in the motion picture The Grizzlies.

Youth then heard from an athlete panel hosted by elite athlete, youth ambassador and FNHC staff member Lannie Houle. On the panel was Liam Gill, an Olympic snowboarder and Dehcho Dene member of Liidlii Kue First Nation who represented Team Canada as the only male Indigenous athlete at the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Also on the panel was Kerrie Buchberger, a Métis volleyball athlete who represented Canada at the 1996 Summer Olympics and played for the Canadian National Women’s Volleyball Team for eight seasons, competing in two Pan American Games and a World Cup. After the panel and a presentation from Scott Godfrey from Lacrossing Barriers, the youth broke out into matches of hockey, curling, volleyball and soccer which was a real hit!

Day Two: Storytelling & Entrepreneurship

Day two themes of storytelling & entrepreneurship were captured in presentations from FNHC’s Lannie Houle on the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Nora Alook on reading and writing, and authors Gloria and Olivia Iatridis speaking about their experience writing Booked: A Strong Start for your Child Actor. After an improv session with MC Telly James and Aaron Marion-Dron, the group broke for lunch and entertainment from Kyle Young of the Troubadours and Mat Cardinal from the Prairie States.

Afternoon session highlights included presentations from Barry Morisette and Winona Lafreniere from Indigitech Destiny, and an engaging plenary from APTN’s hit show Bear’s Lair host Geena Jackson, covering the essentials of Indigenous entrepreneurship with tips, tricks and activities for attendees. Day two ended with dinner and more entertainment from Mat Cardinal and Kyle Young.

Day Three: Cultural Teachings

The final day of the event focused on cultural teachings with words from FNHC’s Caroline Adam-Courtoreille, Elder Clement Leather speaking on types of ceremony and protocols, and a mini-teepee building activity with Elder Phillip Campiou. Elder John Bigstone also led smudging and teachings in one of the Teepee’s on-site throughout the day.

After closing remarks, a round dance, a closing prayer and retreat of flags, the formal events ended with lunch and some final entertainment.

Thank you to all attendees, vendors, presenters and volunteers for making the 2024 Youth Teepee Summit a success!

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors and Supporters!

2024 Youth Teepee Summit Videos

2024 Youth Teepee Summit
Teaser video

2024 Youth Teepee Summit
Welcome video

2024 Youth Teepee Summit
Thank You video

2023 Youth Teepee Summit

3 Key Themes Highlighted

1. Strengthening our communities through health, safety and the recruitment of first responders

The first day of the event was jam-packed with excitement! In the morning, we got to hear from some amazing young voices like Kiya Bruno, a traditional vocalist who blew us away, and Naela Thunder Chief, Miss Blackfoot Canada, who is already making a difference in her community as an aspiring leader.

The afternoon was just as inspiring with two first responders, Sergeant Nancy Farmer and Acting Sergeant Hadiga Little Wolf, who gave some powerful speeches about their experiences.

And we can’t forget about Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, who spoke about the opioid crisis and its impact on youth. To wrap things up, our pals from Siksika Health, Charlene Brough and Rachael Edwards, gave us some valuable Nasal Naloxone Training.

We were honored to have dignitaries such as the Grand Chief Ivan Sawan from Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council, Councillor Ike Solway from Siksika Nation and Frankie Berland the Regional Director for Indigenous Services Canada join us for the event and brought inspiring greetings.

2. Emphasizing the importance of sport for our youth

Day 2 was a blast! We launched the FNHC Sports & Recreation Pilot Project, which means sports are coming to your community! We teamed up with NHL Street, HEROS Hockey, Egg Farmers Rocks & Rings Curling presented by Curling Canada, and Rock Solid Productions to make it all happen. And the best part? We’ve got you covered on the equipment cost for community members. This initiative will have a positive impact on young First Nations people living in Alberta.

But that’s not all! We kicked off the day with Andrea Dion from Classroom Champions leading some ice breaker activities to get everyone pumped up! And we had a star-studded lineup of special guests, including sports advocate Rob Kerr, HEROS Hockey Executive Director Kevin Hodgson, and former Oilers Captain and Stanley Cup Champion ’11 Andrew Ference. They spoke about HEROS Hockey, NHL Street, and the importance of making hockey inclusive for all. We also had a Curling Panel featuring Curling Canada Board of Governor Roselle Gonsalves, Director of Operations for Egg Farmers Rocks & Rings Abbie Darnley, and First Nation curler and Partner at UnitedWeCurl Greydon Yee Lousion. They shared their experiences in Curling, and it was so inspiring!

In the afternoon, we hosted interactive activities led by NHL Street and Egg Farmers Rocks & Rings. It was a friendly competition, fun, and connection all rolled into one! And the best part? You got to see firsthand how these programs and equipment could look like in your communities. So get ready, because sports are coming your way!

We were honored to have dignitaries such as Grand Chief Leonard Standingontheroad, Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations, the Honourable Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations, Government of Alberta, and his Worship Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of the City of Edmonton, and Councillor Carlin Black Rabbit (Sikoha’tsista) from Siksika Nation join us for this announcement.

Visit the Sports and Recreation Pilot Project page to learn more about this exciting initiative and how you can be involved!

To learn more about these amazing organizations, click the logos below:

The round dance led by the Logan Alexis Singers from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation was a perfect way to end day 2. It brought everyone together in a celebration of our culture and traditions. The day was filled with laughter, games, and inspiring speeches from NHL Street, HEROS Hockey, Egg Farmers Rocks & Rings Curling, and Curling Canada. These organizations are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and providing opportunities for young people to get involved in sports and activities. It was a day of learning, growth, and connection, and we look forward to what the future will bring with this new Sports & Recreation Pilot Project.

3. Recognizing the arts as a powerful tool for community building

Let’s talk about the grand finale of our Youth Teepee Summit! On the last day we wanted to highlight the arts and how important they are for building connection and community. Our first speaker was none other than Amanda McLeod, a professional ballet dancer who shared her journey in the industry and how she had to leave home at the tender age of 10 to attend the National School of Ballet. We also had Telly James Hunt, a talented actor and storyteller, who led a hilarious improv learning session. He was joined by his colleague Aaron Marion-Dron, and together they showed us how much fun and silly improv can be!

After lunch, we had the pleasure of hosting Lannie Houle, an elite athlete and former Miss Universe contestant. She shared her inspiring experiences and sat down for an interview with Ashley Callingbull to discuss her journey. To wrap things up in a fun and engaging way, we had Conrad Plews, the owner of Black Market Tattoo and a talented Metis artist, lead our 2nd Annual Art Project. It was the perfect end to an amazing summit!