The University College of the North (UCN) is proud to announce the launch of Roots, a two-day youth leadership workshop for young people aged 13 to 15 from communities across northern Manitoba, taking place May 22-24, 2026.
Roots will bring together youth to explore leadership through the pillars of wellness, culture, and action in a supportive, hands-on learning environment. Roots will focus on developing essential leadership and soft skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-confidence.
"Roots is about meeting youth where they are and giving them space to grow," said Jackie Rechenmacher, Communications & Events Coordinator. "By grounding leadership in wellness, culture, and community connection, this workshop empowers young people to see themselves as leaders who can make a meaningful impact."
The two-day community-led workshop program will consist of experiential learning through art-making, land-based learning, creative expression, performance, reflection, and skill-building activities that encourage personal growth and leadership development.
The inaugural workshop will be held in The Pas and have invited schools from the lower portion of northern Manitoba. Next year's workshop will take place in Thompson and will invite schools from the upper portion of the region. Selected schools have been asked to hand-select students who would benefit from this opportunity.
