Summit brings together youth from across province

Anna Moose pushed her comfort zone Friday.

First, the 16-year-old was around a lot of people — roughly 250 other students. She tried hip hop, she listened to politicians.

And she became one of the first attendees of the province’s One Manitoba Youth Summit.

The provincial government hosted its summit at the convention centre. Pupils from 37 schools attended. Summit speakers included Premier Wab Kinew, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe and youths on behalf of the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth.

Group activities and information booth visits were sprinkled in between. Post-secondaries and resource organizations such as Klinic Community Health set up tables.

“I’m having fun,” said Moose, who attends Argyle Alternative High School.

The summit was part of the province’s public safety strategy, first launched in November 2024. Friday marked a one-time event — but the summit could become an annual occurrence, Premier Kinew said.

“I saw a lot of enthusiasm and optimism, which is great,” he said after his speech. “(Students) get to share their perspectives with us, but then they also get to connect and see what other young people are thinking.”

Teens came from across the province, including from Winnipeg, Dauphin and northern reserves.

They attended sessions geared towards creating safe, healthy and creative paths, a government news release says. Workshops were arts-based.

Joey Laquette spoke in the morning about his journey; his past includes growing up with Child and Family Services oversight and being in a gang.

He’s now a plumber, public speaker and clothing business owner.

“(It’s) just letting them know, no matter what circumstance or disadvantage you’re brought into this world, there’s always opportunity to make something of yourself,” Laquette said.

“If I was younger, and I had someone that I could relate to… to see him make it out, I think that would’ve changed my path in life.”

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com