Current
Programs
The Youth of Today Society (YOTS) is involved in a variety of youth advocacy, multimedia arts, and online projects. Learn about our current programs here.
Voices North
Voices North is a multifaceted platform designed to amplify the voices of youth aged 29 and under in the Yukon. We provide a space for young storytellers, writers, and content creators to share their unique perspectives and experiences. Our program offers publishing, skills building and mentorship opportunities. Local media outlets and schools can play a vital role in Voices North by partnering with us to support and showcase the talents of Yukon youth. Media outlets can gain access to high- quality, youth-generated content that is engaging, local, and relevant. By joining our program, media companies can collaborate with our dedicated team of freelance reporters to suggest writing prompts, post reporting assignments, or hire directly from our website. Schools can integrate Voices North into their classroom programming through our workshops and lesson plans, designed to help teachers inspire and nurture young content creators. Our resources provide structured guidance and support, making it easy for educators to incorporate youth storytelling into their curriculum.
The Youth Network
The Youth Network is a dynamic website dedicated to supporting and empowering youth across the Yukon. Our mission is to create an inclusive online community where young people can explore their interests, share their talents, and make meaningful connections. Whether you're seeking mental health resources, job training opportunities, or creative outlets, the Youth Network is here to provide you with the support and information you need to thrive. For youth-serving organizations, the Youth Network offers a unique opportunity to increase visibility, collaborate with peers, and access valuable resources. By joining our platform, organizations can connect directly with the youth they serve, share updates about services and events, and engage in meaningful conversations. Our network also facilitates coordinated efforts among local non-profits, helping to eliminate redundant work and enhance the overall impact on the youth community. Our platform stands on four pillars: the Territorial Youth Collective, Voices North, the Youth Assistance & Resource Directory (YARD), and our interactive online community. Together, these elements ensure that young people have access to comprehensive support and opportunities for growth. Whether you're a young person looking to connect with others, an organization aiming to expand your reach, or a community member wanting to support youth initiatives, the Youth Network is your go-to hub for making a positive impact in the Yukon.
Yukon Youth Summit
The Yukon Youth Summit is an annual event designed to empower young people from across the Yukon. Bringing together youth, youth workers, and community leaders, the summit serves as a vibrant platform for learning, networking, and advocating for issues that matter most to our younger generation. Participants can engage in a wide range of workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by experienced mentors and leaders. At the heart of the Yukon Youth Summit is the opportunity for youth to voice their opinions and influence change through the Territorial Youth Strategy discussions. The event features open forums and roundtable talks where participants can share their ideas, challenges, and aspirations with peers and policymakers alike. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of community and collective action, empowering young people to take an active role in shaping the future of the Yukon. Special sessions focus on pressing issues such as housing, mental wellness, the environment, and so much more, ensuring that the perspectives and solutions of youth are heard and valued. Beyond the educational and advocacy components, the Yukon Youth Summit is also a celebration of creativity and personal achievement The event showcases performances by young artists, musicians, and performers, highlighting the rich and diverse talents within the community. An awards event aims to recognize the positive contributions of our youth, youth-workers, and elder. Social activities and networking events provide ample opportunities for participants to connect, form lasting friendships, and build supportive networks. Whether through engaging workshops or meaningful discussions, the Yukon Youth Summit offers an unforgettable experience that inspires and equips youth to make a positive impact in their communities.
The Creative House
The Creative House is an innovative studio created by the Youth of Today Society (YOTS), designed to serve as the Yukon’s premier multimedia and sound recording hub for youth. Located in downtown Whitehorse for easy access, this dynamic studio space provides young people with state-of-the-art resources and equipment, empowering them to explore and develop their creative potential. Whether you're an aspiring musician, filmmaker, or digital artist, the Creative House offers the perfect environment to nurture your talents and bring your artistic visions to life. Our facility boasts a range of services and resources, including: A fully equipped sound recording studio and vocal booth Computers with cutting-edge creative software Film and camera equipment Versatile meeting spaces for collaboration and brainstorming A welcoming kitchen area complete with kitchen equipment and tableware At the Creative House, we understand that creativity thrives in a well-rounded environment. Our mission extends beyond just offering resources; we are dedicated to providing training and mentorship to help youth hone their skills and navigate the creative industry. Join us at the Creative House and be part of a vibrant community where your creativity can shine.
ATCO Utility Box Wraps
The Hydro Box Wrap Program is an initiative by the Youth of Today Society (YOTS) aimed at beautifying the city of Whitehorse, deterring graffiti and vandalism, and providing portfolio and career-building opportunities for local youth artists. By transforming ordinary utility boxes into vibrant pieces of public art, this program not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our urban spaces but also fosters a sense of community pride and ownership. The project involves licensing artwork from young, talented artists, printing their creations on adhesive vinyl wraps, and installing these wraps on utility boxes across the city. This innovative approach not only deters vandalism but also offers a visible and prestigious platform for young artists to showcase their work. The Hydro Box Wrap Program addresses several critical needs within our community. Graffiti and vandalism detract from the visual appeal of public spaces and contribute to a sense of neglect and insecurity. By covering utility boxes with professional art, we reduce the available surfaces for graffiti artists and enhance the urban environment, making it more inviting and attractive. Moreover, this project provides invaluable opportunities for local youth to develop their artistic skills, gain recognition, and build their portfolios. Engaging youth in creative and constructive activities helps to foster a sense of belonging and responsibility, reducing the likelihood of engaging in negative behaviors. Additionally, the program promotes cultural expression and awareness, celebrating the diverse heritage of our community through art.
Past
Programs
The Youth of Today Society (YOTS) has a long history of youth programming in the Yukon. Learn about some of our past projects and initiatives here.
Shakat Journal
Originally published by Yukon First Nations youth in 1980, YOTS revived the Shakat Journal in 2017. True to its spirit, Yukon youth took on the entire publishing process, including editing, layout, writing, artistic direction, photography, and promotion. While the journal enjoyed significant success, the challenges of maintaining a print publication, compounded by the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately led to its closure. Today, we are proud to introduce Voices North, the digital evolution of the Shakat Journal. We've expanded our online presence to engage with youth where they are while increasing opportunities available to those who participate.
Millennial Town Hall
The Millennial Town Hall was established as a forum for Yukon youth to engage with community, political, and industry leaders. At these events, youth took the stage to discuss crucial topics such as reconciliation, homelessness, gender inclusion, wellness, and global leadership. Local leaders asked questions from the audience, gaining a deeper understanding of youth issues through direct engagement. With the resounding success of the Millennial Town Hall and an increased capacity for youth advocacy in the territory, we have expanded the event into what we now call the Yukon Youth Summit. Today, the Yukon Youth Summit brings together youth from all across the Yukon to engage in discussions that shape the future of our territory. Local, political, and industry leaders continue to participate, fostering meaningful dialogue. Additionally, the Summit now showcases the best young talent with a vibrant entertainment component.
Yukon Murals
Since 1999 YOTS has been facilitating youth-led mural projects all across the Yukon. The back of Hougans, the Grey Mountain Primary gymnasium, along Ogilvie St., 4th St., and all across town: Though our mural projects might be on pause their legacy lives on!
Blue Feather Youth Center
Founded in 1999, the Youth of Today Society opened the Blue Feather Youth Center - a creative and cultural hub for Yukon youth. Though the Blue Feather Youth Center might be gone, it's subsequent iterations as the Inner Vibe, and known today as the Creative House, continue YOTS' legacy as a cultural and creative hub for youth in the Yukon.
Clash of the Artists
The Clash of the Artists, a component of the Blue Feather Music Festival, brought together young musicians from all over the territory to showcase their talents and highlight next generation of Yukon musicians.
Youth Mixtapes
The Youth of Today Society is passionate about engaging youth in sound recording. Over the years YOTS has invited lots of young talent into our studio to record and produce their music. Mixtapes, though not too popular these days, was an effective and fun way to showcase a variety of young talent from all across the territory.
Inner Vibe - Community Arts Studio
The Inner Vibe was YOTS third brick-and-mortar location and gathering spot for creative Yukon youth. Though YOTS currently specializes in multimedia arts and sound recording, the Inner Vibe also facilitated a number of mixed-media projects, most notably murals found all across the Yukon. Today, with a particular focus on multimedia arts and sound recording, we have rebranded as the Creative House, the newest iteration of our brick-and-mortar studios.
River Nation
The Youth of Today Society facilitated a trip to remember: Nine Yukon youth paddling down the Yukon River in a dugout canoe, sharing the trip, experiences, and stories with local elders.
Millennial Anthem
A song and music video produced by the Shakat Journal team, intended to represent the current struggles and issues that youth, particularly first nations youth, face in the Territory.
Spirit & The Masks
A group of First Nations youth were tasked by the Council of Yukon First Nations to bring to life their idea of what First Nations education should look like. Lysander Daigeneault, Cassandra Kindness Miller, Nicholas Koe, and Robert Dean had 25 days to design, animate and record the soundtrack for their animated short: Spirit & the Masks. “An excellent expression of what First Nation youth are doing in the modern context to reunite with their identities, cultures and languages. And [sic] expressing themselves using modern day technology.” The youth were assisted by Lance Burton and Rebecca Law from the Youth of Today Society.
Droppin' Out
A documentary film profiling high-school dropouts decades after leaving school. A look back on being a youth in a different time, and fresh perspectives on perennial issues. This film was originally published for the Shakat Journal, and was shot, edited, directed, and produced entirely by Yukon youth.
Medallions of Hope
"We ask the Great Spirit to look over our first peoples," is what the medallions said. Hung along the banks of the Yukon River, the medallions were installed to inspire hope, and remind folks that even if it might not feel like it, someone is always watching out for you.