Yellowknife — May 21, 2025
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) thanks the outgoing members of the Climate Change Youth Council’s first-ever cohort. Recruitment is now open for a new two-year Youth Council group, with applications due May 28.
The Climate Change Youth Council (CCYC) brings together youth from across the territory to discuss climate change and share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas for addressing key climate issues in the North. The CCYC provides input to the NWT Climate Change Council (CCC) and the GNWT on climate matters and amplifies youth voices to influence climate policies and programming. By engaging with their communities and advocating for climate action, the CCYC aims to build a network of future NWT climate leaders.
The GNWT recognizes the following NWT youth members:
- Andrew Speakman (Sahtu)
- Ellen Gillies (Yellowknife)
- Grace Illasiak (Beaufort Delta)
- James Thomas (Yellowknife)
- Jessi Pascal (Beaufort Delta)
- Jody Zoe (North Slave)
- Julia Gyapay (South Slave)
- Lauren Corneille-Lafferty (Dehcho)
- Mary Ann Minoza (Dehcho)
- Reegan Jungkind (South Slave)
- Tanisha Beaverho (North Slave)
During their term, CCYC members helped establish a strong foundation for this new council. They also provided input and recommendations to the GNWT on a wide range of policy issues and planning, including making recommendations on GNWT climate change and energy strategies, informing the NWT’s first Climate Change Risk and Opportunities Assessment, and presenting recommendations for climate change action to the GNWT Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment.
Members also had the opportunity to engage in exciting events such as:
- Attending the Arctic Council’s 1st Arctic Youth Conference in Tromsø, Norway, in January 2025.
- Presenting at the Adaptation Futures conference in Montreal in 2023.
The GNWT looks forward to continuing this important work with the next group of passionate and dedicated youth leaders.
Calling all Future Climate Change Leaders!
The GNWT is inviting youth aged 18 to 35 to become members of the NWT Climate Change Youth Council. This opportunity gives young Northerners the chance to help shape the territory's response to climate change and efforts to build resilience.
Benefits of joining the NWT Climate Change Youth Council:
- Amplify your voice.
- Help shape territorial policies and programs.
- Develop leadership and advocacy skills.
- Network with environmental advocates and leaders.
- Receive an honorarium for participation.
Youth from all regions of the NWT, regardless of experience, are encouraged to apply. Diverse voices and perspectives are key to building strong, inclusive climate solutions for the territory.
To apply, complete and submit the application form by May 28, 2025.
Quotes
“I am happy that the NWT sees that we need all hands on deck to combat climate change. We need to hear from the future leaders of the NWT today, not when it’s too late.”
- Tim Heron, NWT Climate Change Council Co-Chair, NWT Métis Nation
“A huge thanks to the inspiring young leaders who formed the first-ever NWT Climate Change Youth Council! Your voices shaped strategy, policy & awareness across the territory. I look forward to more engagements with the youth of NWT engaging actively in NWT’s climate-resilience initiatives.”
- Jay Macdonald, Minister Environment and Climate Change
“Being part of the first NWT Climate Change Youth Council cohort has been an incredible opportunity to connect with passionate youth from across the NWT, Canada and the Arctic to ensure our voices are heard in driving real change for climate action. I’m proud to have influenced climate policy, advocated for meaningful solutions, and been part of a dedicated community of young leaders committed to building a more sustainable and resilient future in the NWT.“
- Julia Gyapay, Co-Chair of 2023-2025 Climate Change Youth Council group
Quick facts
- The CCYC was established in March 2023 for a two-year term, which is now complete.
- Applications are being accepted for new members to join the Council’s second cohort, from June 2025 – May 2027.
- The CCYC includes up to 12 members, with two members from each NWT region, plus two members from Yellowknife.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
ECC Communications
Environment and Climate Change
Government of the Northwest Territories
ECC_Communications@gov.nt.ca