Prince George, B.C. – The 13th annual Gathering Our Voices Aboriginal youth conference begins this evening at the Prince George Civic Centre.

It runs March 17-20 and is co-hosted by the Prince George Native Friendship Centre.

The sold-out event will include more than 1,000 youth aged 14 to 24 from across the province.

It will also include appearances from such dignitaries as the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Judith Guichon, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad, and Grand Chief Ed John from the First Nations Summit.

The 1,000 youth delegates will have the chance to take part in over 60 different workshops in what is being billed as the largest Aboriginal youth conference in Canada.

According to the Ministry of Aborginal Relations and Reconciliation,  Aboriginal youth are the fastest growing demographic in B.C., with over 50% of the Aboriginal population under age 25.

“Gathering Our Voices is a tremendous event where Aboriginal youth come together to be inspired and discover ways to live rewarding lives. Aboriginal youth are vital to the future economic prosperity of our province,” says Rustad.