Group of young people sitting in an audience, smiling, raising their hands, and cheering at an event or performance.

The Youth Matter Symposium is an annual gathering dedicated to empowering youth through mental wellness, connection, and support. Now celebrating its 5th anniversary, the event will bring together approximately 300 youth from 12 Saskatchewan communities, along with teachers, support staff, and mental health counsellors. Throughout the day, inspiring speakers will share their stories of resilience to encourage youth to speak up about mental wellness, while breakout sessions and workshops will provide tools for building lifelong mental health strategies. With a focus on arts, culture, music, and movement, the symposium creates a safe and inclusive space where young people can learn, connect, and be reminded that their voices and well-being truly matter.

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Vision + Mission.

To bring together youth in connection and community in support of mental health. Empowering youth to step into leadership roles and find agency to be change makers for the future.

Our 2026 Featured Keynote Speakers

Joe Delagrave

Joe Delagrave is a motivational speaker who inspires audiences worldwide with his powerful message of resilience, leadership, and self-discovery. . A former Paralympian and wheelchair rugby athlete, Joe’s journey from athlete to sought-after keynote speaker is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose. He is a go-to speaker for conferences, leaders, and organizations seeking to ignite motivation and foster meaningful change.

Laura Lawrence

Laura Lawrence is an author, keynote speaker and podcaster who focuses on resilience, mindset, and mental health. As the founder of YMC, she has worked passionately with her team to build an organization that supports youth and families and opens up conversation and connection for mental health. Laura has spoken to thousands of people across the country with her powerful message and was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal as well as a YWCA women of distinction award for her work in mental health advocacy.