The Northeastern Public Health team attended the 2026 Planet Youth Conference in Calgary on behalf of Planet Youth Timiskaming!
We met with Planet Youth teams from across Canada, including the Yukon. We learned about their successes, challenges, and ways to help youth grow up healthy. One of the highlights was hearing from Indigenous speakers. They shared how culture, community, and connection to the land can help youth feel supported and lower the risk of substance use.
We also learned why it is important to listen to the people behind the data. Numbers can show us what is happening, but stories from youth, families, and communities help us understand why. These stories can also help us plan what to do next.
We are thankful for the chance to learn from others across Canada. We look forward to sharing what we learned with our local action teams and steering committee to inform our future work in Timiskaming! 


