Visit to ihuman Youth Society in Edmonton

During her one-day visit to Edmonton, Alberta, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, made youth her main priority. She received a warm welcome upon her arrival at the ihuman Youth Society Studio Arts Centre for disenfranchised youth. A youth from the centre performed a song for her.

The Governor General met with youth who attend ihuman Youth Society, which is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to use arts to work with high-risk and street-related youth, particularly Aboriginal and minority youth, to promote their re-integration into the community.

As she visited the centre, Her Excellency discovered the arts-based programming being offered by the Society to Edmonton’s youth in need. With the help of a youth, she designed a t-shirt.

In the presence of young women, the Governor General painted a mask and asked them questions about how the centre has had a positive impact on their lives.

Her Excellency listened to a young African woman from the centre as she practiced her singing.

The Governor General also recorded a song during her visit.

Youth participated in a one-hour discussion with the Governor General to share the challenges they face on a daily basis. They also expressed how the ihuman Youth Society has been vital to them by giving them the courage to live.

The Governor General spoke with young men who have overcome many of their challenges thanks to the services offered by the centre.