Connection + Conversation

Upcoming events

  • YMC Mental Health Symposium

    Save the date for our 4th annual YMC Mental Health Symposium on October 17th, 2024 at the Kerry Vicar Center in Melfort, SK. School Registrations will open September 1st!

  • Teen Talk Tuesday

    Our virtual connection + conversation platform takes place the second Tuesday of every month on ZOOM. Join us for community, connection and conversation with our YMC team!

  • Active Youth Program

    We are currently running a 6 week ACTIVE YOUTH program for youth ages 8-12. Email connect@youthmatter.ca to register!

PAST EVENTS

Youth Matter Symposium

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13th

9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Kerry Vickar Centre - Melfort, SK

Our creative minds have the power to help support our mental and emotional wellness - from listening to music, dancing, drawing, painting, writing and creative expression of all kinds, these right-brain activities help to support a calmer, more regulated state for our nervous systems.

Hundreds of students from across the province will be joining us on Thursday, October 13th to spend a day immersed in creative exploration with a unique and talented group of artists, creatives and mental health advocates.

Youth Matter values creating a safe, inclusive environment and inspiring positive action and meaningful change for youth through open discussion, learning new strategies and methods for managing stress, anxiety and emotions and maintaining healthy life-long mental wellness.

MEET OUR SYMPOSIUM TEAM OF

ARTISTS & CREATIVES

  • Kevin Pee-ace

    ARTIST

    Artist Kevin L. Pee-ace was born in Kelvington, Saskatchewan and is a member of the Yellowquill First Nation and Peter Chapman First nation. Kevin's exposure to art happened at an early age. The importance of family is prominent throughout his works, the vibrant colors represents the joy of life, it is meant to inspire hope, success, and happiness. These paintings are a tribute to his late mother who was his guide throughout his life, my late Grandmother for her strength in cultural beliefs and traditions, and my children for the inspiration they give me, Meegwetch.

  • Terrance Littletent

    HOOP DANCER

    Terrance Littletent is from the Kawacatoose Cree Nation and born in Regina, Saskatchewan. Much of his traditional teachings were inherited through his family and elders, singers and dancers, storytellers and academics. Terrance is an accomplished Grass and Hoop Dancer who has traveled across Canada, the United States, and overseas, sharing his gift of song, dance, and narrative, in humble way. By the age of 8, Terrance’s uncle; Kirby Littletent, presented him with the gift of the hoop, which inspired Terrance to continue his uncle’s legacy of sharing the ways of their people. 11 years later, Terrance became recognized as a World-Renowned Hoop Dancer. As an educator, producer, and performer, Terrance continues to find ways to bridge traditional and contemporary dance and music styles

  • Todd Rennebaum

    PODCASTER & AUTHOR

    Todd is from Indian Head, SK and is a self-published children’s author of the book, “Sometimes Daddy Cries” and the creator of the “Bunny Hugs and Mental Health” podcast. Being in active addiction recovery and having survived a suicide attempt, Todd is passionate about hosting guests on his podcast that deals with all things mental health related - from addiction, anxiety and eating disorders to mental health illness and trauma.

  • Laura Lawrence

    AUTHOR & EDUCATOR

    Laura Lawrence is the founder and Director of Youth Matter. After a major life pivot in 2013, she left her job as a Science teacher and embarked on a new career path steeped in conscious living, mindfulness, and self-awareness inspired by her own healing journey.

    Laura also always been a writer of sorts and during the pandemic embarked on becoming a self-published author and created the “Love Bug Books” brand. She has self-published two children’s books to date and is working on releasing another this fall. Laura’s books cover topics of mental and emotional wellness, giving youth of all ages tools and practices to help support their mental health maintenance.

  • Linsey Levendall

    ARTIST

    Linsey Levendall is an artist. illustrator and conceptual designer who was born in South Africa and now resides in Melfort, SK. Linsey discovered his love for art at a very young age as a way to escape and express his emotions through his own creative mind. He is passionate about supporting youth in mental health initiatives and is excited to offer his guidance to help youth express themselves through art and creativity. Linsey believes that self-expression is a powerful way to release stress, anxiety and process emotions in a healthy, mindful way.

  • Adelle Stewart

    AUTHOR & SPEAKER

    Adelle is a speaker, life coach, and most recently - a cancer thriver. She lives on and manages a boutique equine boarding facility in Saskatchewan Canada. Adelle is a sugar-addict turned health-freak, avid hiker, horseback rider and holistic healthcare advocate. Writing was a cathartic healing process for Adelle during her cancer journey and she wrote and released her first book, “Nowhere But Down” during the pandemic.