Empowering Atlantic Youth to Lead with Confidence and Purpose 

Across Nova Scotia (and soon, New Brunswick), the Uncover Your Essence (UYE) Society is helping young people discover who they are, what they stand for, and how they can lead change in their communities. With support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada initiative, the UYE 2026 Conference will bring together over 4,500 youth for culturally grounded workshops, mentorship, and community connection. The project will expand on the success of the 2025 conference and lay the foundation for a regional model of youth empowerment across Atlantic Canada. 

About the UYE 2026 Conference 

The UYE 2026 Conference will provide youth aged 12–18 with an inspiring, identity-affirming learning experience through interactive sessions focused on leadership, mental wellness, equity, and community engagement. Youth from African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, rural, and newcomer communities will participate in hands-on workshops, career exploration activities, and mentorship opportunities with leaders who reflect their experiences. The conference will also include wellness and cultural programming, building confidence and belonging while preparing participants to take on leadership roles in their schools and communities. 

“The RHF’s Catapult grant is transformative for our organization. It allows us to expand our reach, strengthen our programming, and create more meaningful opportunities for youth to explore their potential. Through this support, we can empower young people to build confidence, discover their purpose, and take an active role in shaping their futures and communities,” says the UYE team. 

Addressing Barriers to Learning and Leadership 

Youth across Nova Scotia continue to face deep and overlapping barriers to education and leadership. Systemic racism, rural isolation, and a lack of culturally relevant learning environments limit access to opportunities for growth. For many, traditional academic spaces do not reflect their histories or lived experiences, leading to disengagement and low self-confidence.  

Findings from the UYE 2025 Conference, which engaged over 1,200 youth across the province, revealed a strong demand for programs that reflect identity, expand mental health supports, and connect youth with mentors who look like them. African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, and newcomer youth continue to experience disproportionate barriers to representation in education and employment systems. UYE 2026 directly responds to these needs, creating spaces that honour culture, amplify youth voice, and connect learning to leadership and community well-being. 

Connecting youth with support from the Rideau Hall Foundation 

Through the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada initiative, Uncover Your Essence is building the next phase of its work. Strengthening access to culturally relevant education and leadership opportunities across Atlantic Canada. Catapult funding supports the design, delivery, and evaluation of the 2026 conference, as well as regional outreach to rural and underserved youth. 

Beyond funding, Catapult connects UYE to a national network of organizations committed to making education more inclusive and community-driven. Together, the Rideau Hall Foundation and Uncover Your Essence are empowering Atlantic youth to lead with confidence – grounded in culture, connection, and community.