From the Smoky Lake Signal, April 3, 2002

Jenifer Kaban attends Governor General's Youth Forum in Ottawa
Written by Jenifer Kaban

Last month I attended the Governor General's Youth Forum in Ottawa. On February 13-17, 2002, 100 grade 12 students from across Canada met at Rideau Hall, the official home of the Canadian Governor General. It was three and a half days of discussions, meeting amazing youth and various sight-seeing expeditions. From my time there I gained knowledge, friends and memories that I'm sure will last a lifetime. 

I heard about this forum through my social teacher, Jason Boykiw, in early December. After sending in the application form with their questions answered and reference letters attached, I awaited the phone call letting me know whether I had been chosen, or not. In a month's time, the phone call came and I found out that from over 600 applicants, I was one of the 100 selected! By the time February rolled around, I was off to Ottawa with little knowledge of what to expect...

I arrived late afternoon February 13, with 2 other students from Edmonton area. From the airport we were bussed over to Ramada Hotel, where we would be spending our nights. That entire first day set out the pace for the next three; lots of mingling, becoming close to people who, just the day before, were strangers, and always having the feeling of 3 days isn't long enough! After all arrived, and were sorted into smaller groups, we were off to Rideau Hall where we would be spending most of our time.

The moment we stepped into Rideau Hall, we immediately saw how we would be spoiled over the next days. It's a 164 year old building, very much kept to date, with the exception of various artworks placed around by Her Excellency Adrienne Clarkson. There were footmen scattered, and as to impress us even more, the first room we were ushered into was the ballroom! (If you ever see Rideau Hall on television, or in articles, this is the room pictured.) As we sat down for dinner, we discovered master chefs would be cooking our meals. Being around so many new people, and then realizing we'd be spending most of our time at Rideau Hall, it was a bit overwhelming!

Our days consisted of many discussions. Her Excellency arranged this forum to give young Canadians a voice. She wished to hear how and what today's youth are doing to contribute to communities and therefore, Canada on a whole. She wanted to bring us together to exchange ideas and motivate each other, as well as give her an idea what she can do to help build Canadian communities. We would begin our days with a large group discussion, headed by their Excellencies Adrienne Clarkson, and her husband John Raltson Saul. This large discussion was to get the ideas flowing, so we could break off into our smaller groups to elaborate on ideas. From our own experiences and views we would discuss ideas such as:  Community involvement: why people choose to or to not get involved; how we can get more people involved.

Benefits of a strong community and repercussions of a weak sense of community.

 How our communities have helped and benefited us, and what we have given in return. (There were many students there who had immigrated to Canada. It was very interesting to hear how Canadian communities helped them and their families integrate into Canadian life. Canadians helped these immigrants into citizens, and in turn, these new citizens are helping build Canada.)

How communities differ from school to school, city to city, country to country.

How even the littlest actions can make a great difference. A point that I heard stated in various ways at various times was that not everyone has to be a superhero. Our society bases recognition on people who have done heroic efforts. Many people who take part in small volunteering actions get forgotten about, when really all these small actions make up a strong community.

Every person had their own contributions and experiences to add to these discussions. The amount of topics we covered was overwhelming. We certainly got the ideas flowing, and gave a lot for their Excellencies to think about!

In amongst, and after our discussions, we had plenty of time to experience Ottawa. We took a tour of the Parliament building, sat in Senate, the House of Commons, and chatted with the Speaker of the House, Peter Milliken. If you ever see him on television, he looks quite strict and formal, but in real life, he has a very laid-back disposition! Skating on Rideau Canal, shopping, and viewing the many ice sculptures from the winter carnival, were a few sight-seeing favorites. A few of us even went to the National Art Gallery.  All 100 of us went to Hard Rock Café one night, and almost filled the place! Then, to top it all off, most of us hardly slept three hours a night. As I said before, from the very beginning we all realized three days wasn't enough. We crammed in as much time together as possible. By the end, we were just one big group of friends...

Leaving was the hardest part. Literally spending 24 hours a day with these people, you build very close friendships with them. We did not necessarily have the same interests or experiences, but there definitely was a common ground. One thing that I learnt and saw very clearly was how diversity can bring people together. Everyone was different, and in that, everyone was equally curious about everyone else. One day listening to a large group discussion, I realized in Rideau Hall, we had made our own little Canada. We were just people gathered from across the country, from all walks of life, brought together on a common ground... Just like Canada. Canada is a diverse land, and some may see that as an obstacle, or a lack of commonality for the country, when really, it is the diversity that brings us together, it's what makes us Canadians. I had heard that idea so many times, but I never really understood it until this forum. I encourage anyone to get involved, travel more, and experience a bit more of this country! You never know what you'll get out of the experience!

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