Power of Voice Youth Conference Unites and Empowers Newcomer Youth in Calgary
Hundreds of young newcomers gathered at the Central Library in Calgary on Saturday for the Power of Voice Youth Conference, a signature annual event organized by the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY). The conference featured guest speakers, youth panel discussions, and vibrant cultural performances, creating a platform for immigrant children and teenagers to share their experiences and build connections.
Building Community Through Shared Stories
Frank Cattoni, CEO of CBFY, emphasized the conference's mission to highlight the stories of newcomer youth. "It gives us an opportunity to highlight young people in the community — newcomer children and youth — and tell their stories," Cattoni said. "We get to showcase speakers that bring very powerful messages to young people, and you get to watch some really incredibly talented young newcomers display their ability."
The event's theme, 'Strength in Every Story,' resonated throughout the day. Cattoni noted that listening to these personal journeys is a profound aspect of his work. "Every young person here has a story — and this is actually the best part of my job, is when I get to sit down and talk to young people, or the staff even that we have, to listen to their journeys and their stories," he explained. "They give you a piece of that story, it's like giving a little piece of themselves, and then you get to share and you talk about your own experiences, and we all grow together as a result of it. It's very powerful."
Empowering Youth Voices for the Future
The conference aims not only to foster friendships but also to empower participants. "They have to realize that their voice is a very powerful voice. We always say that the youth are our future, (and) they really are," Cattoni stated. "They have a voice in the community, and they just need to be heard. We want to give them the platform to do it, and this is the platform."
Performances by groups like the 3Ds siblings and pan flutist Sarena Aref Zadeh showcased the diverse talents within the newcomer community, adding a cultural dimension to the event.
Supporting Newcomer Integration Since 1990
Established in 1990, CBFY was created to address the lack of support systems for youth newcomers. The organization collaborates closely with Calgary's school districts to ensure students receive necessary assistance. "When they come in to get registered for school, the CBFY staff are some of the first people that they meet, and we encourage them to get registered with us and engage in the programming that we provide," Cattoni said.
He highlighted the challenges faced by immigrant youth, such as adapting to new schools and learning languages. "Going into a new school, learning new languages — it's very challenging, and so we walk that journey with them," he noted. "When they build community, they have an easier time settling, and it actually helps the parents out, because it takes the stress off the parents when their kids are engaged in a community."
Personal Impact and Shared Experiences
For attendees like Chidiogo Akunne, a 16-year-old who immigrated from Nigeria three years ago, the conference provides a sense of belonging. "The biggest thing for me is hearing people's story on their journey as immigrants," she shared. "It makes me feel a little bit seen, like I'm not alone in my struggles as an immigrant, too. It makes me feel like if I am struggling through stuff, I'm not alone, and I can also get through what I'm struggling with."
The Power of Voice Youth Conference continues to serve as a vital resource for newcomer youth in Calgary, offering a supportive environment where stories are shared, communities are built, and young voices are empowered to shape their futures.
