Prince George, B.C. – Close to 100 youth from around the province have gathered in Prince George this weekend.

They are here for B.C. Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon’s second annual ‘Stewards of the Future’ program.

Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon addresses students inside the Weldwood Theatre at UNBC this afternoon – photo 250News

“This is one of my priority programs,” says Her Honour. “And it’s a program directed towards about Grade 10 level students. We had a prospectus we sent to all the high schools in which we encouraged teachers to get their students out of the classroom and out into their communities to explore issues that affect land and water.”

The students were then encouraged to attend public meetings, ask questions of their civic leaders and bring what they learned to share with their peers at UNBC.

“Have them come together and discuss these issues and learn from one another because they come from very different backgrounds – resource backgrounds and urban backgrounds – and learn to listen respectfully to people from very different areas of the province.”

Her Honour says the program means a lot to her because these kids could be our future leaders.

“I worry that there is a growing divide between urban and rural populations and I want them to learn how to communicate and deal respectfully with one another and learn that they are all dealing with the same issues.”

The conference runs through Sunday.