Climate Change

NWT Climate Change Youth Council

The NWT Climate Change Youth Council (CCYC) was established in 2023 under the NWT Climate Change Council (CCC) as a youth panel and advisory group to the CCC and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). The CCYC provides youth-driven perspectives in discussions about climate change and ensures that youth voices are represented in climate change priorities, policies and actions.

The GNWT’s Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) supports the CCYC by providing secretariat services for its members.

Haut de la page

Purpose

Climate change is the defining issue of our time. The NWT Climate Change Council and the GNWT recognize the vital role youth play in addressing this challenge. The CCYC brings together young people from across the NWT to:

  1. Engage communities in discussins about climate change
  2. Understand key climate issues and youth perspectives.
  3. Amplify youth voices to influence policy and action.
  4. Empower members to mobilize other youth.
  5. Build the capacity and networks of future climate leaders.

The CCYC provides input and advice to the NWT Climate Change Council on all climate matters. They guide the development of GNWT initiatives.

Haut de la page

Composition

The CCYC consists of 12 members aged 18 to 35 from different regions of the NWT:

  • South Slave (2 members)
  • Dehcho (2 members)
  • Sahtú (2 members)
  • Beaufort Delta (2 members)
  • North Slave, not including Yellowknife (2 members)
  • Yellowknife (2 members)

A Chair and Co-Chair are selected by the members.

Members are independent and do not represent any government.

Haut de la page

Action

The Climate Change Youth Council (CCYC) has been a voice for youth-led climate action in the Northwest Territories. Through a combination of outreach, advocacy, and policy input, the CCYC has amplified youth voices and contributed meaningfully to territorial climate action.

CCYC has led and participated in a series of events to raise awareness and foster dialogue:

  • Climate Quest School Outreach (May 2023)
  • GNWT Energy Futures Panel (July 2023)
  • Adaptation Futures Panel & Arctic Circle Assembly (October 2023)
  • Starfish Canada YELL Labs & One Young World Summit (2024)
  • Arctic Council’s Arctic Youth Conference panel (January 2025)
Haut de la page

Achievements

The Climate Change Youth Council (CCYC) has played a role in shaping GNWT climate policy. The following have been key avenues for sharing their recommendations:

  • Participated in Focus Groups for the NWT Climate Change Risks & Opportunities Assessment (2023)
  • Joint Submission on the NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework & 2030 Energy Strategy (October 2023)
Haut de la page

Current Members by Region

 

Beaufort Delta

  • Olivia Mary Dobbs
  • Mariyah Snowshoe
  • Alternate: Vacant

Dehcho

  • Adrian Allen
  • Dahetlea Antoine
  • Alternate: Vacant

North Salve

  • Christan Beaverho
  • Vacant
  • Alternate: Vacant

Sahtú

  • Carl Kodakin-Yakeleya Jr. (Chair)
  • Vacant
  • Alternate: Vacant

South Slave

  • Quinten Pierce Ross
  • Kynidi Robillard
  • Alternate: Vacant

Yellowknife

  • James Murray Thomas
  • Christine Dunbar (Co-Chair)
  • Alternate: Christian Hirwa

For more information about the NWT Climate Change Youth Council or to apply for the Youth Council, contact CCYC@gov.nt.ca For more information on joining the Climate Change Youth Council, check out, Join the NWT Climate Change Youth Council

Haut de la page