Alberta teen helps young people to influence decision-makers

Written By Peter Allan

Mihir Rao connecting with the coastal rainforest in Cheakamus Forest, on the unceded traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh Nation. Photo by: Hyago Santana Moreira

 

By Patricia Lane & Mihir Rao

Mihir Rao is making sure youth have a voice in shaping their future. This 18-year-old from Alberta ensures that young people are well-equipped to influence decision-makers. Mihir is a 2025 I-SEA National Youth Climate Action award winner.

Tell us about your work

For the past three years, as a member of the leadership committee of the Canadian Rockies Youth Network, I have helped gather 35 to 40 youth each year for four days of experiential learning in Kananaskis, Alberta. Outdoors, we explore lakes and rivers, test water, hike with Indigenous teachers and develop basic outdoor survival skills. Indoors, participants hear guest speakers, including other youth in our network, identify policy changes they want addressed, and each person leaves with a project to make their own community better. The young people engage in mock stakeholder debates to explore various perspectives and develop strategies for change. We conclude with a reflection which the leadership team uses as the basis for a report and recommendations for law and policy-makers.

Throughout the year, we hold events showcasing projects participants take on to help educate and draw communities together, such as feeding goats and making honey in Lacombe or increasing understanding of Alberta’s fisheries.

We were included in the development of Parks Canada’s new strategic plan for Lake Minnewanka and pointed out our observations of the degraded state of the shorelines caused by excessive pedestrian traffic. We recommended they use Indigenous language signage and protect sensitive riparian areas with fencing.

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Peter Allan
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