July 28 - 31, 2025
Announcing the 2025 Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring: Indigenous ways of mentoring and supporting youth
The Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring is a professional enrichment experience like no other. For four days, 25 practitioners and eight acclaimed researchers in youth mentoring come together to interact, exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, network... and learn. It'll happen in transformative workshops, presentations, and gatherings.
And - for the first time in its 18-year history - it'll happen in Canada, focusing on a subject in which Canada is world-renowned: Indigenous youth mentoring.
The Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring: Experience it like never before
Date and location: July 28-31, 2025 at the University of Calgary.
Deadline to apply: May 9, 2025.
Ready to apply? Fill out the form below.
Participants
To encourage an active exchange among professional peers and with researchers, the Summer Institute seminar is limited to 25 participants. Ideal participants have several years of experience in the field of youth development and are seeking an advanced level of professional development. They are experienced professionals who hold positions enabling them to influence the training and supervision of staff, the development of program models, and the implementation of service delivery changes based on the latest advances in the field (e.g., CEO’s, program directors).
Applications
Prospective participants complete a short application and provide a current resume. Space is limited to 25 participants. Participants are expected to attend the entire seminar. Selected applicants will be notified at the end of May. Please fill out the application form below.
Costs
Tuition for the institute is $600 CAD. Tuition bursaries (scholarships) are available for Canadian and international applicants and can be requested at the time of application. Applicants from Canada are eligible for a base $300 tuition bursary and may request additional tuition bursary support.
Accommodation
Accommodations at a discounted rate are available at UCalgary Accommodations.
Don't just take our word for it
Hear from Alumni of the Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring.
"Attending the Summer Institute was an invaluable experience. It was incredible to spend time learning and connect with others dedicated to the youth mentorship sector. I learnt a tremendous amount that I was able to bring back to our organization that sparked engaging conversations, created more engagement with the team and changed our programming for the better. This is a fantastic investment for employees and organizations alike."
Stephanie Hawes, Director, Service Delivery, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto
"Attending the Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring in Portland was a memorable experience. The highlight for me was connecting with people from all over the world and hearing their inspiring stories about the power of mentorship. It was motivating to learn new interviewing techniques and processes to empower young mentors, as well as tools for improving programs. Portland is such a beautiful city, which was an added bonus. Overall, it was a rewarding and enriching event that I will carry with me on my professional journey."
Suhaila (Su) Ali, Program Manager, Youth Assisting Youth
Meet the expert facilitators and speakers
Alexandra Arellano (University of Ottawa)
Dr. Alexandra Arellano is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean at the University of Ottawa, specializing in sport for development programs for Indigenous youth. Her research critically examines initiatives like the PLAY program, focusing on their impact on youth empowerment and community resurgence.
Marlyn Bennett (University of Calgary)
Marlyn Bennett is an Anishinaabe scholar and Canada Research Chair at the University of Calgary, focusing on Indigenous child wellbeing. Her extensive work examines the experiences of Indigenous children, youth, and women in the child welfare system, aiming to uplift Indigenous knowledge in research and policy.
Véronique Church-Duplessis (Mentor Canada)
Véronique Church-Duplessis is the Senior Director of Research and Impact at Mentor Canada, leading their research on effective and equitable mentoring. She focuses on building connections between research and practice to enhance the evidence base for mentoring in Canada.
Thomas Keller (Portland State University)
Thomas Keller is a Professor at Portland State University and the founder of the Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring and the Center for Interdisciplinary Mentoring Research. His research focuses on the development and influence of youth mentoring relationships and the evaluation of mentoring program innovations.
Tasha Mousseau (Friends of the Children)
Tasha R. Mousseau is an elected leader of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and Chief Officer at Friends of the Children. She collaborates with Indigenous communities to implement culturally grounded mentoring programs for youth facing significant challenges.
Adam Murry (University of Calgary)
Adam Murry is an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, leading the Indigenous Organizations and Communities Development Research Lab. His research focuses on Indigenous employment, mentorship, and education, including the mentoring of FNMI scholars in health research.
Teena Starlight (Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program)
Teena Starlight is a member of the Tsuut'ina Nation and the National Director of the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program at Ever Active Schools. Grounded in her land-based culture, she shares her knowledge and expertise in Indigenous curriculum and leadership development.
Kate Storey (University of Alberta)
Kate Storey is a Professor at the University of Alberta and a CIHR/PHAC Applied Public Health Chair, leading research on healthy schools and communities. Her SIRCLE program focuses on interventions to promote wellbeing and reduce health inequities, including studying the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program.