Indigenous and non-indigenous youth gathering in Sudbury

Morning North5:57National Youth Conference in Sudbury

Youth from across the country are gathering in Sudbury for the 4th Annual National Youth Conference. The CBC's Samantha Lui spoke about the conference with Vihbor Garg of Canadian Roots Exchange, the organization hosting the event.

Youth from across Canada are meeting in Sudbury this week to take part in the fourth annual National Youth conference.

The purpose of the event is to connect indigenous and non-indigenous youth through a series of workshops.

The co-executive director of the Canadian Roots Exchange, the organization hosting the event, said it's important for young people to talk about indigenous issues.

"I think young people from all backgrounds are interested in finding a new way to move together, forward," vibhorgarg explained.

"I think that's the present and the future of this land. So, I think young people have a different openness to working together and trying to have some of those difficult conversations."

garg added this is an opportunity for youth to talk openly as he said there are lots of negative things that are brought up in the media.

"Young people actually need an opportunity to come together in a positive way," he said.

garg noted that Sudbury is an ideal location because the region is home to a number of First Nations communities.

"And so, having it in Sudbury also gives younger people ways to actually constructively move forward together."

Those taking part in the conference will attend workshops promoting themes like leadership, respect and reconciliation. It runs from Thursday through Saturday.