Banff 140: Youth Leadership Conference for Land-based Reconciliation 

Deadline to apply: May 26, 2025. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

November 5-9, 2025

2025 marks 140 years since the creation of what is now known as Banff National Park. The Howl Experience and Canadian Rockies Youth Network are recognizing this milestone as an opportunity for youth to gather with Knowledge Holders, community leaders and industry professionals to reflect on the history of Canada’s parks, learn from diverse voices which have historically been excluded in park management practices, and engage in envisioning a more inclusive pathway forward for Canada’s protected areas.

With an approach rooted in Etuaptmunk (Two-Eyed Seeing), Banff 140 will bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth (ages 15-18) and educators from across Turtle Island to experience the land, cultures and communities of the Rocky Mountains. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of both Indigenous Knowledge systems and western science perspectives regarding conservation, climate change, and parks management; experience what Truth and Reconciliation can truly look and feel like; and actively contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable future for Canada’s protected areas.

When: November 5-9, 2025

Where: Camp Chief Hector YMCA, Kananaskis, Alberta

Who:

  • 100 Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth (ages 15-18) and 40 educators from across Canada.

  • Schools can send up to 5 students and 2 educators.

Cost: $1,000 per participant

  • Deposit of $250 per participant due June 10 - this will contribute to the overall cost per participant.

Information Package: Click here to download the information package.

Details.

Deadlines.

May 26: Application deadline

June 10: $250/person deposit due (will contribute to your final fee)

September 10: Group representatives attend virtual information and Q&A session

October 15: All participants confirmed; completed waivers, medical forms, and full participant fees due

October 22: Participants attend virtual pre-conference introduction and information session

Conference Highlights.

  • Participants will visit breathtaking places, including Lake Minnewanka, Bow Glacier, and Cave and Basin National Historic Site. In visiting these places alongside Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, participants will:

    • Develop awareness of diverse perspectives on WHY and HOW Banff National Park was created, and how it is managed today.

    • Gain a two-eyed seeing understanding of glaciers and watersheds, forests, wildfires, wildlife, and climate change.

  • Be immersed in the lands and communities in and around Banff National Park through unique, fun, hands-on learning activities led by:

    • Treaty 7 Elders, knowledge holders, and community leaders

    • Park managers & staff

    • Glaciologists, ecologists, and researchers

    • Non-profit organizations

    • Outdoor educators

    • Local community and youth leaders

  • Participants will connect with peers from across the country, the lands and communities in and around Banff National Park to:

    • Experience what Truth and Reconciliation can truly look and feel like in community.

    • Deepen understanding of reciprocal relationships by experiencing diverse, intergenerational perspectives from local Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Holders, community members & leaders.

    • Increase knowledge, skills, and connections to advocate for inclusive conservation practices that honor Indigenous perspectives.

  • Through a variety of hands-on activities and workshops, youth will gain knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles in their community and alongside their new network of peers. We’ll also engage in re-imagining future pathways for youth involvement in parks & land management across Canada.

  • Participating youth are invited to prepare a 6 minute community project pitch to present during the conference. Projects must be led by a youth aged 16-30 and align with conference themes, as related to conservation and protected areas:

    • Reconciliation

    • Building an inclusive Canada

    • Preserving the environment

    • Promoting civic and democratic engagement

    • Strengthening youth resilience

    The top 3 project pitches will receive Howl micro-grant funding of:

    1. $2,500 & an opportunity to do a subsidized Howl High Rockies or Yukon program in 2026

    2. $1,000

    3. $750

    Download the information package to learn more about the action project competition.

Banff 140 offers a unique professional development experience for educators, providing them with tools, knowledge, and strategies to foster inclusive conservation education and Indigenous reconciliation efforts in their classrooms. By attending alongside their students, educators will:

  • Gain first-hand experience in land-based education, making outdoor learning more accessible and impactful.

  • Learn how to facilitate student-led conservation projects that align with reconciliation and sustainability goals.

  • Build cross-cultural understanding and relationships that enhance classroom discussions on reconciliation and environmental stewardship.

  • Develop an action plan to foster inclusive conservation education and empower their students to become change-makers in their own communities.

Information Package: Click here to download the information package with more details.

Professional Development for Educators.

Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Arrival: November 5, between 1 - 4:30pm MST

    Official conference start time: 5:30pm MST

    Official conference closing time: November 9, 12:30pm MST

    Departure: Between 12:45pm - 2pm MST

  • Students must be age 15-18; in grades 10-12.

  • Ideally, both adults are teachers, administrators, or staff from the school. We are providing professional development activities for educators as part of the conference. In special cases, a parent or other adult chaperone may attend but they are expected to participate in the full conference.

  • Your main role is to help students make the most of their experience and learn alongside them while ensuring their safety. Ultimately, students will be under your supervision and your responsibility. This includes during travel to and from the conference and during any free time (which will be limited in our jam-packed schedule). Program participants are representing their schools and communities, and are expected to maintain the standards of behaviour set forth by their school and their supervising teacher(s). Participants will be further expected to adhere to all school division policies. The lead teacher will be the primary connection to The Howl Experience, if there are any concerns or emergencies, we will communicate and create a plan as necessary with the lead teacher.

  • We are currently unable to provide financial support. We have created a fundraising kit with a few ideas to support school fundraising. However, please get in contact if cost is a major barrier.

    Download the fundraising kit.

  • Two free shuttles will be provided from the Calgary Airport at 12pm and 3:30pm to the conference on Nov. 5th. Participants who are flying to Calgary or who would prefer to meet at the airport and not drive a personal or school vehicle, will be able to opt-in for this shuttle as part of the forms that are due on October 15. A shuttle will also be provided back to the airport after the conference closing on Nov. 9th, for all those who opt-in.

    There is no additional funding to support the costs of transportation to/from the conference. Participants are responsible for coordinating their transportation to align with the arrival and departure times.

  • The conference is based at the YMCA’s Camp Chief Hector. All accommodations are heated and will have 4-8 bunk beds per room and a shared washroom with showers. Rooms for students will be assigned based on gender and age, please keep this in mind when selecting the students you are bringing.

    The Camp will be providing warm meals and snacks throughout the conference. Most food allergies/dietary restrictions can be accommodated, we will get in contact with you once all forms are submitted if there any potential challenges.

    Throughout the conference, we will be using Camp Chief Hector buildings as a venue for activities but the bulk of our time will be spent outdoors .

  • There will be cell service throughout the majority of the conference, with the main exception being during our time on the Icefields Parkway (hwy 93) which looses service shortly after Lake Louise. There is no wifi at Camp Chief Hector for participants.

  • A full packing list will be distributed before and reviewed during the pre-conference introduction and information session on October 22. High-level, here are a few things you should bring:

    • Comfortable clothing

    • Warm outdoor gear (boots, mitts, winter jackets, toque)

    • Sleeping bag and pillow (we can provide a limited quantity for those who communicate need)

    • Small bag or backpack

    • Water bottle

    • Personal items (medications, toiletries, etc.)

  • Deer, elk, moose, grizzly bears, black bears, big horn sheep, coyotes, red foxes, wolves and cougars, in addition to many small mammals, birds and fish, live in and around Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country. In sharing the land with them, we will be staying on trails and ensuring that all garbage is disposed of properly. While at camp, all attendees will have to travel in a group of four (minimum) at all times. If you are renting a vehicle, please be wildlife aware while driving on the highway and into Camp as you will travel through several wildlife corridors.

    Conference staff will have wildlife safety training and carry bear spray in the case that we do encounter wildlife, but with such a large group during main conference activities, it is relatively unlikely to have a surprise encounter.

  • We are committed to ensuring a safe environment for all conference participants. All participants will be required to complete an online Participant Agreement with The Howl Experience prior to arriving on site.

    Staff of The Howl Experience will have current first aid and CPR certification, mental health first aid supporting youth training, wildlife safety training, and have passed a criminal records background check. Staff and contracted leaders for outdoor activities will also have Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader or Association of Canadian Mountain Guides certification. There will be first aid kits accessible by staff at all times.

    Emergency Contacts: The supervising teacher from each school will provide a contact cell phone number and be accessible throughout the conference. For any incidents involving students, The Howl Experience staff will coordinate first aid and any required communication with parents/guardians with the lead teacher. In the event of an emergency please contact 9-1-1

    Travel Considerations: Travel to and from the summit is the responsibility of the school. You will submit your travel plans to The Howl Experience, please contact us if you are delayed at ay point. Ensure a school administrator also knows your travel plans; tell them when you plan to arrive and check in when you get here. If driving to the conference or the Calgary airport for the shuttle, check the road report and adjust your driving to the road conditions. Stay on main roadways and carry an emergency kit including blankets, shovel, booster cables, snacks, water, and current map. Ensure your vehicle is in good repair and has had a safety inspection.

  • The Howl Experience will not be providing extended options for accommodation or programming. If you choose to arrive early or stay longer after the conference, accommodations will be the responsibility of the school to organize. If you are interested in opportunities at Camp Chief Hector, please visit their website.

Banff 140 Partners