What happens when young people are given the space to lead the conversation on racism, identity and belonging? On August 30, HMF’s Voices for a Shared Future Youth Summit offered a powerful answer.
The Summit brought together youth, community members, educators, organizational representatives and public leaders for a full day of learning, dialogue and connection. The program explored racism, Islamophobia, identity, belonging, advocacy and community action through youth presentations, facilitated sessions, creative performances and a youth panel discussion. The event was made possible through the collaboration and partnership of multiple youth organizations, who came together to help shape and deliver a day rooted in youth voice and leadership.
Youth leadership was at the heart of the event. Approximately 30 youth were involved in planning and organizing the Summit, while many also served as presenters, panelists, performers, moderators and volunteers. Youth-led presentations addressed topics such as Islamophobia, allyship and changing experiences of racism in Winnipeg.
The Summit also featured sessions led by Dr. Izzeddin Hawamda, Founder, Sadaa-Echoes Consulting; Saleha Faruque, Senior Advocacy Programs Manager, Justice for All Canada; and Khadiza Tahira, Master of Human Rights (MHR) Candidate, University of Manitoba, as well as a keynote address by Osaed Khan, Dean of the University of Winnipeg Collegiate.
Several elected representatives joined the Summit and addressed participants, including Ginette Lavack, MP for St. Boniface–St. Vital; Hon. Nahanni Fontaine, Manitoba Minister of Families; Hon. Lisa Naylor, Manitoba Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure; and Diljeet Brar, MLA for Burrows.
The event generated strong interest with approximately 150 participants estimated to have taken part over the course of the day. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with the youth panel, presentations and interactive sessions among the most appreciated parts of the program.
Healthy Muslim Families extends its sincere thanks to the youth organizers, volunteers, speakers, facilitators, community partners and everyone who participated in making the Summit possible.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, with funding provided by the Government of Canada.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the Heritage Bangla Grocery & Meat store and Les Saaj Restaurant for their generous community support of the event.
Watch the Event Highlights Reel