From Perspective to Policy: Youth Driving Change – BCAFN Youth Forum 2026
The annual BCAFN Youth Forum is a key gathering for First Nations youth in B.C. between the ages of 19–29 years to connect, share perspectives, and help shape BCAFN’s policy advocacy. The Youth Forum was held concurrently with the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) 2026 Economic Development Forum on March 18 & 19, 2026 in Vancouver.
The theme of this year’s forum was “Threads of Resilience in Sovereign Economies,” that included topics such as fostering economic self-determination, sustainability, and empowerment, particularly within First Nations contexts. Key strategies include building robust infrastructure, establishing strategic partnerships, diversifying sectors, and utilizing local resources for long-term stability and growth.
The BCAFN Youth Forum 2026 panel spoke on the following subjects:
- The BCAFN Youth Forum Panel called “Policy to Perspective: Youth Driving Change”
- Economic Development Forum panel called “Interwoven Futures: Threads of Resilience in Sovereign Economies”
An important topic was discussed with Youth and the BCAFN Women Chiefs and Leaders Caucus panel called “Plenary Panel to develop recommendations from BC First Nation women, girls for policy options to address MMIWG2S+ in Resource Development, including human trafficking concerns”
A highlight of the Forum was the Māori delegation singing to the BC Assembly of First Nations, where they acknowledged the warm hospitality and connections built over the past few days on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations territory.
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