On September 25, over 100 high school students gathered at Old Fort Erie, where Lake Erie meets the Niagara River, to participate in the 2024 Great Lakes Student Conference. The immersive event, designed to connect youth with Great Lakes issues and priorities, offered hands-on learning experiences that left a lasting impact.
Hosted by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) in collaboration with local school boards and environmental organizations, the conference attracted 114 attendees, including teachers and activity leaders. This pilot event was supported by funding from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the Great Lakes' ecosystems and the role of young people in protecting them.
Connecting Youth to the Great Lakes
The day began with opening remarks from Gary Parker, Indigenous Lead at the Niagara Catholic District School Board. He emphasized the cultural and spiritual connections to the Great Lakes and underscored the importance of youth becoming stewards of the environment. “We need to care for all that Mother Earth provides and have a deep appreciation and understanding of the lands and waters that sustain us all,” Parker shared with attendees.
Keynote speaker Ngan Diep, Great Lakes Advisor for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, delivered a compelling presentation on the significance of the Great Lakes. She inspired students by highlighting how their actions could safeguard this critical resource for future generations.
Hands-On Learning and Inspiration
Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive activity stations, each led by environmental professionals. Topics ranged from fish species and invasive species to climate change impacts, species at risk, and Indigenous perspectives on water. The goal was not only to educate but to inspire students to explore careers in environmental fields.
"Experiential learning opportunities like this one are vital for students,” said Katy Sokoloski, GLSC Event Coordinator. “We want to encourage the next generation to take action on environmental issues that affect the Great Lakes, and what better way to do so than by bringing them to the shores of a Great Lake and connecting them directly with experts?"
The impact of the event was clear from the feedback of students who attended. One Grade 12 student shared, “It’s hard to figure out exactly what I want to do with my future. Talking to people in my area who have careers in the environmental field has helped guide me toward my own future.”
Another student reflected on how the event had shifted their perspective: “Realizing how important the Great Lakes are in our area, how rich they are, and all they have to offer—along with the threats they face—has really changed my view. Youth are the future, and we’re going to be the ones taking care of these resources.”
Looking Ahead
As a pilot event, the 2024 Great Lakes Student Conference proved to be a resounding success. The NPCA hopes to make this an annual event, continuing to engage students and communities in the vital work of protecting the Great Lakes for generations to come.
This event was made possible thanks to the collaboration of several organizations, including the District School Board of Niagara, Niagara Catholic District School Board, Niagara Parks, Invasive Species Centre, Sciensational Sssnakes!!, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Water Rangers.
This project received funding support from the Government of Ontario. Such support does not indicate endorsement by the Government of Ontario of the contents of this material.