future leaders youth council

The Future Leaders Youth Council provides Bow Valley teens, on Treat 7 Territory, with a platform to take action on environmental topics.

We merge members’ interests and passions with current environmental issues to advocate for the planet and make meaningful change in a safe and inclusive environment.

turn your concern into impact!

Video: The 2023-24 Future Leaders Youth Council took a moment to reflect on their projects from the previous year and how they can apply the lessons into the future! Production and editing by Sunshine Creative.

What exactly do we do?

We meet monthly to discuss whatever environment-related topic the council is interested in. Meetings may be more conversational, or complemented by a field trip to local facilities, businesses, or natural areas. Members have the opportunity to network with like-minded people both in a personal and professional setting. We network with numerous community organizations and expose youth council members to post-secondary options and career exploration opportunities. Most importantly - we take action! This year we will be focusing on glacier preservation, along with whatever you’re interested in.

Monthly Meeting info

  • Who: Bow Valley teens, ages 13-18, interested in making a difference

  • When: We meet on the third Tuesday of every month form 4:00-5:30

  • Where: Meetings take place in Canmore at the Biosphere Institute office (600a 9th St, Canmore). We are keen to have Banff students join so please let us know what accommodations can be met

  • How: Email Jackie or DM @Future.Leaders.Biosphere on instagram if you’re interested in joining

  • Cost: The Youth Council is free to join! We complement our meetings with tasty snacks too :)

action project gallery

2nd Annual ‘Not the End of the World’ concert and open mic night

On May 4th, 2025, the the Future Leaders Youth Council held the second annual Not the End of the World Event. After reviewing their kick off event in 2024, the council decided they wanted to host something geared towards the whole community, not just fellow youth. After all, no age group is safe from the pressures of climate anxiety.

80 community members from the Bow Valley were brought together to share stories, music, and good food, while remembering that this is not the end of the world! 12 performers came out to share climate-related songs, including local headliners Digital Hobo, Irene Poole, and The Ducks. The council hosted the evening and shared positive environmental news stories along with trivia and prizes for a night we won’t soon forget.

Special thank you to our amazing sponsors and partners, without you this event could not happen. ID9, YWCA, The Emerald Foundation, The Rotary Club, Roam Transit, Canary Coffee, Grizzly Paw, and Rocky Mountain Soap Co.

Trash Talks Radio Segments (2024)

In Partnership with Rob Murray and Mountain FM, the Council traded our regular meeting room for a recording studio to air Trash Talks. Too often the news we hear about the environment is full of scary, sad, and hopeless narratives. The council challenged this norm by recording Trash Talks, a radio segment dedicated to highlighting positivity within the environmental movement. You can listen to these segments and an exclusive interview below!

Parks Canada- Wildlife ID

Tapping into our inner-ecologists, the Council joined Parks Canada for a day of winter wildlife tracking and career exploration. At the Wardens office, we learned of the various role Parks Canada plays in protecting our homes, and what different Parks careers can look like. From trail crew, to fire safety, to search and rescue, we saw it all. The day ended outside by tracking wildlife by the paw prints and scat left in the snow. Parks Canada uses this citizen science to estimate which animals and how many of them pass through the Bow Valley.

The Christmas Bird Count

Since 1900 the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) has brought together communities from across Canada to participate in one of the longest running citizen science projects to date. The origins of CBC are a funny one. Originally, hunters would get together once a year and kill all the birds they could see. One year, a hunter pointed out that maybe this wasn’t the most sustainable option, and suggested counting the birds, rather than killing them. Since then, CBC stats have been used to track migratory patterns and the effects of climate change on bird populations across Canada.

The Council was happy to participate in a day of birding where we learned about local bird species and recorded each individual we saw! In Canmore, CBC teams recorded 31 species, with the Great Grey Owl being the star of the show. You can see the species breakdown below.

Parks Canada Riparian Restoration Day

The Council gave back to the greatest source of life that runs through the Bow Valley, the Bow River. Parks Canada employees explained why vegetation along the river shore, or the riparian zone, is vital to keeping the ecosystem healthy and happy. Not only do these native plants provide essential habitat and food for the animals who live there, but their root systems keep soil locked into place, providing structure and stability to the river.

We then turned our knowledge into action by planting several native plant species around the river’s edge. Next time you take a walk along the river’s edge, near Cascade Ponds, take a moment to admire our hard work!

‘Not the End of the World’ - Youth-led event to learn, connect and celebrate Earth

In a time of negative headlines and persistent 'doom and gloom’ narrative, the Future Leaders Youth Council is here to tell you - you’re not alone and there are solutions!

On April 20th, 2024, over 25 youth from Banff, Canmore and Mînî Thnî gathered in at the Banff YWCA for an afternoon of workshops, dinner, open mic and dance. Topics ranged from wildlife conservation and Indigenous experiences to planet-based eating, sustainable fashion, poetry and how to have brave conversations. Huge thanks to Calgary Foundation and Banff YWCA for the support.

Roam Transit - “Teens on Transit” Promotional Video

Transportation is among the top 3 contributors to carbon emissions in the Bow Valley (alongside buildings heating/cooling and food-related emissions). This 'Teens on Transit' promotional video was created with the support of Roam Transit. We hope to inspire others to take transit and live a more sustainable lifestyle in the Bow Valley! Bring a friend - all are welcome!

Trash Talks - Education Radio Series (2023)

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