Experiences (Newsletter)

Youth Finding the Spirit of Place

There is a special silence at L'Anse aux Meadows NHS. At this UNESCO World Heritage site, the very air seems to pay vibrant homage to the spirit of the place. This summer, young people from Canada and beyond experienced that phenomenon at many other Canadian UNESCO sites.

As host of the 32nd Session of the World Heritage Committee meeting in Québec City, July 2-10, Canada welcomed more than 800 international leaders in the fields of cultural and natural heritage. Fifteen Canadian and 15 international youths (18-25) participated in the Youth Forum component organized by Parks Canada and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

"As an involved citizen, I am aware of the huge challenges we are facing today to preserve our world heritage", observed participant Geneviève Nadeau of Montréal. "It was a privilege to participate in this event, because it allowed me to consider these universal issues with engaged and interested young people from around the world."

Edith Arnoult-Brill, President of Hostelling International, presents three youth participants with the Hostelling International Christina Cameron Youth Award. These bursaries will be awarded annually.
© Jacques Pleau, 2008

On June 20, the youths arrived in Ottawa and visited the Rideau Canal NHS, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before separating on June 24 into three groups. Two groups went to Alberta, and the third travelled to Newfoundland and Labrador to visit Parks Canada's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Inspired by these magnificent places, and using laptops provided by Apple Canada, they then developed presentations for the meeting's opening ceremonies.

Parks Canada and the Canadian International Development Agency provided funds for youths coming from developing countries, while Canadian Heritage funded the Canadian youths. Hostelling Canada provided three bursaries as awards for the best youth projects.

Through meaningful experiences such as this, young Canadians are developing a strong sense of connection to their national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. Protecting these areas leaves them unimpaired so they can be enjoyed by present and future generations.