The focus of our conference was to educate, heal and unite communities, youth, and people from all walks of life. The 24 workshops addressed some of the damages and injustices affecting our culture, communities, and people, and they also served to educate and enhance the conference participants’ daily lives. We hope these workshops were able to teach valuable skills, lessons and to promote personal growth for all attendees.

The Opening Ceremony of the Renewing Our Spirit Youth Conference created an atmosphere of hope, friendship, productivity and unity. The conference commenced with seven coloured prints given to each of the five pipe holders. Each colour represents a purpose, and they are united by a desire for prayers and healing for all participants and their families. The prints also commemorated and honored MMEIP, Residential School Survivors, and Missing Children. The prints were kept in the ceremonial tipi with the pipes and eagle staff for four days and nights. The sacred fire was lit for four days, and during the Closing Ceremony, the prints were burned in the sacred fire together with the registrants tobacco.

Conference attendees were asked to respectfully offer tobacco to participate. Tobacco signifies knowledge sharing in a reciprocal and positive way. Tobacco is traditionally offered when one is seeking healing, advice, teachings or prayers from a knowledge keeper or Traditional Elder. It is given in ceremonies, and also for acknowledgment purposes or protocol. Tobacco’s use at the conference respects the tradition of knowledge and cultural exchange that values both parties in the exchange. 

By offering tobacco, youth gain the confidence to ask for knowledge in a respectful way. Their protocol offering asserts that they have positive things to give to the world and that they are searching for positivity in return. This reciprocal relationship empowers youth to ask for assistance and support. Youth who ask for support, trust that the community is there for them and sees their value as individuals. 

Traditional food was offered to everyone at the conference so that attendees would not have to worry about food security for the duration of the event. Offering food allowed participants the freedom to fully engage in the conference without hunger or worry, while also being immersed in their culture and traditions. Feasts are important for building a strong community, because they make every member feel welcomed, valued and cared for.

The Youth Fashion Awards and Gala, the talents of the Magoo Crew, and the fashion of Susan Benson Designs, Edna Buffalo, and Barbabra Dumigan, all showcased pride in Aboriginal identity and culture. Cultural performances through dance, music, and 35 youth and adult fashion models inspired the youth.

The Youth Fashion Awards tell youth that the community values their work and participation and is proud of them. The awards tell them that they matter and that their community recognizes their courage and potential and awarded them with an Eagle statue award. Community support and encouragement help to create ongoing cycles of youth working towards a brighter future. Guest speakers and workshop hosts also offered coaching, advice, and teachings to youth who may not otherwise have this opportunity. The speakers were able to provide much-needed support and knowledge in a concentrated learning setting.

There was a large list of expected outcomes of the conference, and the most important ones which were accomplished are presented here: 

• Elders provided the tools to move forward, including stories and experiences, respecting traditional languages, and traditional teachings.
• Youth have a greater understanding of the dangers of suicide, addiction, gangs, prescription drugs, vandalism, and family violence. 
• Youth were informed of the proper protocols for ceremonies and sharing knowledge. 
• Girls, women and Traditional women Elders were honoured and respected, sharing teachings about the roles and responsibilities of parenting and child-rearing.
• Youth have a greater appreciation of the importance of culture, good parenting practices, language, and education. 
• Youth learned about some of the resources available to help them grow, learn and support their recovery. 
• The whole community came together to continue the healing process. Attendees were encouraged and empowered to move forward with renewed optimism and direction.
• All participants were exposed to healthy strategies and practices to implement in their lives to create unity. 
• Participants learned about the importance of forgiving themselves and others, “kasinamakewin,” and ways of practicing forgiveness. 
• The role of Elders in the community was strengthened by providing them with an honoured place to interact with community members, sharing knowledge and wisdom.
• Participants gained a strengthened sense of cultural identity and left the conference feeling knowledgeable and proud of who they are.
• Participants met, interacted and networked with people from different communities.
• Youth learned that they were not alone in their struggles. 

This conference was groundbreaking in a variety of ways, some of which were unexpected but very welcome. For the first time at an Edmonton youth conference, the entrance fee was the offering of tobacco instead of monetary registration. This made the conference accessible to many people. Guest speakers, Elders, and workshop hosts were also offered tobacco with their invitations, creating a holistic traditional atmosphere that honoured all conference attendees. This conference offered 24 workshops for the first time.

The fourth conference attracted the most attendees. The 915 participants were from; Alberta, 442; Saskatchewan, 280; Northwest Territories, 80; British Columbia, 48; Yukon, 16 and 49 from other places. There were approximately 600 youth participants (10–18 years of age). There were many youth and young adults over the age of 19. These were part of the approximately 315 adults which included chaperones, parents, teachers, educational aides and other adults.

Another first at the Edmonton youth conference this year were the Dene drummers from Dene Tha’ First Nation that came out and drummed many great songs. The youth fashion models were awarded for their participation and courage to be under the spotlight in front of a large audience. Lastly, the four-day sacred fire in the city of Edmonton was a first for the Renewing Our Spirit Conference.