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Youth Summit Keynote Speakers

Heaven SolomonHeaven Solomon

Friday, June 7

7:45 pm - 8:15 pm

 

Heaven Solomon, 24, from Neqotkuk First Nation, is a passionate language advocate and educator. She completed her Bachelor of Education at UNB in October 2023, specializing in Indigenous education. As Miss New Brunswick 2022, she highlighted her culture and language to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences.

Heaven has taught the Wolastoqey language for three years and is about to start her Master’s in Education. She also served as a Wolastoqey voice actor for the cartoon "Lil Glooscap and the Adventures of Turtle Island."

Currently, she works as a special projects coordinator for her community’s education department, collaborating with elders and knowledge keepers to enrich educational experiences for First Nations students from Neqotkuk attending provincial schools. Heaven emphasizes the importance of learning and using Wolastoqey to prevent its loss.

Heaven will share her journey to inspire attendees to take meaningful action, focusing on cultural pride and resilience.

 

Kalkidan Burke PhotoKalkidan Burke

Saturday, June 8
4:40 pm – 5:10 pm

Kalkidan is an ambitious individual pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at UNB. She is entering her 4th year, majoring in Philosophy with a minor in Criminology. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is a dedicated activist in her community who has successfully led multiple protests of racial injustice. Her tireless efforts in this regard earned her the Burke's Silver Medal of Honor Award.

Kalkidan has also taken speaking opportunities in local schools to enlighten and inspire others about the significance of Anti-Racism and the importance of Black History Month. Apart from her activism and academic endeavors, she hosts two podcasts, "UNB in 30" and "Soul Talk," where she engages in meaningful conversations and amplifies diverse voices. For her remarkable efforts to create positive social change through her platforms, Kalkidan received the BBPN Digital Innovation Award. Kalkidan portrays a spirit of leadership and advocacy, and her goal is to make a positive impact in her community and beyond.