Meet the 2021 Yukon Youth Panel on Climate Change!

Abeer is a recent McMaster University graduate with a strong interest in exploring the impact of climate change on racialized and low-income communities. Abeer is incredibly excited to be part of the Panel and in finding avenues by which to decolonize the existing climate change movement and to create intersectional feminist spaces where minoritized people can contribute to developing strategies accessible to their communities. In her spare time, you will find Abeer running, writing poetry or catching up on her favourite movies!

Hi! My name is Alyssa Bergeron. I was born and raised in Watson Lake. After completing my degree in Conservation Biology at the University of Alberta, I found myself back in the Yukon! I currently work at YESAB as an Assessment Officer. My favourite things about living in the Yukon are the endless opportunities for adventure and the wildlife. You can find me skiing and skating in the winter (I’m also a hockey coach this year) and camping and hiking in the summer. I am very proud to be a member of the Youth Panel on Climate Change and am optimistic about the things we can accomplish together.

My name is Azreil Allen, I’m 20 years old, I’m a mother to twin girls named Nákhela (fireweed in Southern Tutchone) & Táshea (Where the little willows grow) I’m crow clan, and a member of Champagne and Aishihik First Nation. I live in Haines Junction, Yukon. I joined Yukon government’s youth panel for climate change because I want to make a difference for my children and the next generation of youth. I want to share my voice and experience. I also work with the Canadian Roots Exchange, I started with them being a part of the Rural Youth Reconcilation Initiative and now on my second cohort, I am doing a project with them called the Peer Program. The peer program is a program that helps inidgneous youth across Canada with mentorship and leadership skills. I am humbled to be chosen to sit on this panel. I look forward to meeting other participants and gaining knowledge. Mahsi Cho and Kwänischìs for taking the time to get to know more about me!

Hello Everyone! My name is Kadrienne Hummel and I am a member of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun. 

I was fortunate to grow up hunting and gardening in Mayo. I love being outdoors, and exploring what my traditional territory has to offer. Being on the land is an invigorating experience and empowering to me.

I am intrigued by learning traditional knowledge and incorporating it into modern society’s way of living. I believe being connected with your culture and roots is revitalizing and empowering to Youth.

I am excited to be given the opportunity to create change for the environment in the Yukon alongside these amazing Youth.

“I am happy to walk this trail with you” -Unknown

My name is Koome Marangu and I am currently in Grade eight at FH Collins-Wood Street Campus in the French Immersion stream.  My favourite subjects are Math, Science and English. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, listening and playing music, playing basketball, soccer and swimming.

Climate Change and its impacts worldwide is a common challenge of our generation and it is so important that the youth and future leaders take action today so we can have a better tomorrow.

I look forward to learning from other committee members and community members, especially elders, so we can share that information with fellow youth.

“Our voices are loudest when we speak from the heart and stand in unity.”

Hello! My name is Min and I live at Crag Lake, on the traditional territory of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and am currently in grade 12 at FH Collins. Climate change is a big issue that I can see evidence of all around me. It is easy to feel discouraged, but I have felt inspired by youth all across the world standing up for our right to a clean future. I am really excited to discuss with other youth how we can assist the government in moving forward and acting on the climate crisis. I hope to learn lots from others and be able to contribute on this panel.

My name is Sarah Booth and I am 13 years old.  I enjoy spending my days reading, drawing, baking and being outdoors. I am excited to be part of the Yukon Youth Panel on Climate Change.  I have lived in many parts of Canada, including Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and the Yukon. I have seen the effects of climate change and I would like to help make a difference.

Hi! I am Sophie Molgat and I am 14 years old. I am and have been a climate change activist for more than two years now and am very passionate about the issues that face our world and our society. I am from Nak’azdli first nation in North BC and my culture has been a huge influence on why I choose to act in the face of climate change. With a few friends, I formed a youth climate action group in which we participate in and organize many climate actions such as Fridays for Future climate strikes. When I heard about the Youth Panel on Climate Change, I thought It would be a good opportunity to keep up our work.

“I don’t want your hope. I don’t want to be hopeful. I want you to panic, and act as if the house was on fire.” -Greta Thunberg

Hi, my name is Sruthee Govindaraj. I am an environmental scientist, at Core Geoscience Services Inc in Whitehorse, with a background in biology and human health. I did my undergrad at University of Ottawa in Biology and am pursuing the Climate Change Policy certificate at Yukon University. I love travelling, meeting new people, reading, and watching movies. Yukon is experiencing the effects of climate change at an accelerated rate, affecting everyone. It is a social justice issue and Yukon’s youth are extremely passionate about it. I look forward to collaborating with and engaging our youth to bring their voice to the decision-making table.