University student talks upcoming International Youth Day 2020

She believes while it’s been done, continuing to show responsibility is the best way youth can prove they’re ready for a seat the table.

“It’s important our council’s youth talk to other youth, that we come together, and that we go out in the community and say we are the future. But we also must ask one another if we understand our responsibility,” Khan says, alluding to a 500-person party last month near Bowden, believed to involve many youth.

“It is a huge responsibility for youth that we are tasked with changing the future and dismantling the system. It’s on us. So if we can get the majority of youth to listen and change, the future could be amazing.”

Khan says the mixed response from youth during the global COVID-19 pandemic leads back to the actions of those in power.

“My little brother and some his friends are still going out, and I have to remind them that we’re in a pandemic. But with school going back the way it is, they think it’s fine, and everything’s going back to normal,” she shares. “But again, I remind them that just because your government isn’t putting certain things in place does not mean it’s okay for you to do certain things. Just look at the cases going up.”

As for Red Deer’s municipal leaders, they have the youth council’s attention, and have received an official request, Khan says, to meet and discuss various things, including a decision earlier this year not to ban conversion therapy in the city.

Khan hasn’t heard back since making the request two weeks ago, but does have planned meetings with police as well to discuss the treatment of local youth, she says.

“Our previous provincial government had a minister’s youth council. The new one got rid of that, so no, I don’t think they’re listening. The conversion therapy matter was brought to me by a member of our council, so we want to sit down with city council and talk about why they didn’t talk to youth who’ve gone through it, ask if they were really informed and with whom did they consult.”

Names like Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai are two examples of names Khan agrees youth are following and looking up to currently to see how their actions can be translated on a local level. She also points to Alberta-born Enoch Cree Ashley Callingbull’s recent campaign with Nike as a positive sign progress is being made.

The biggest knock on Thunberg, Khan acknowledges, is her age.

“A lot of people say youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but I would say give us more credit, and have us at your tables right now. Today is on fire and you’re not consulting your youth. Include us,” she emphasizes.

“People don’t see youth as powerful and being able to make those executive decisions, but we really are very forward-thinking and intelligent. Right now, leaders are not involving us, and that’s not okay.”

International Youth Day is August 12 worldwide, but will be recognized in Red Deer on August 15 with a gathering at the Memorial Centre parking lot.

It runs 4:30-7 p.m. and will include various youth speakers, as well as an Aboriginal Dance Troupe and artist, live music, and food trucks. Masks, hand sanitizer and water will be handed out at the event, in line with public health orders.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

University student talks upcoming International Youth Day 2020

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