The North Sound Indigenous Youth and Young Leaders Conference is designed by, with, and for Indigenous youth in the North Sound region. This year (2021) is the 2nd Annual Conference. This convening is also part of our community learning journey: an ongoing series of conversations, events, resources, and connections to ensure the region centers youth voices and experiences today--and for decades to come.

Thursday

November 4, 2021

&

Friday

November 5, 2021

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

(on both days)

This year, the conference is taking place the first week of November in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

This is a space intentionally created to be safe for all Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, as well as for those who wish to learn from Indigenous leaders and stewards in the region.

In this space, we honor and respect those who carry intersecting identities, such as community members who are Afro-Indigenous, Indigiqueer, and Two-Spirit.

Anyone ages 13-24 who is in agreement with these thoughts is welcome to attend, regardless of any individual identities.

This year we are excited to welcome the Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest Lhaq’temish (Lummi Nation) as our keynote speaker. Rena Priest is the first Indigenous person to be awarded the status of Washington State Poet Laureate; we are very honored to have her join us this year.

This is our 2nd Annual Conference. Check out our inaugural 2020 Conference Summary to learn more about last year’s speakers and activities!

The 2021 conference will build on the themes and ideas we discussed in 2020, particularly when it comes to health and well-being. We want youth to feel like they belong, be connected to their communities, and have access to the resources they need to feel safe and healthy.