2026: Autumn Peltier

Change Makers: Youth Leadership in Creating a Better World

An Evening with Autumn Peltier

This inspiring talk explores how students and young leaders can step forward, use their voices and play an essential role in shaping a better world. Coinciding with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this event frames reconciliation as an ongoing journey driven by youth leadership, stewardship and shared commitment to a better future.

image of Autumn Peltier

About Autumn Peltier

Autumn Peltier, chief water commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation, has been an Indigenous Rights & Water activist since age 12, when she confronted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the government record on water protection. A year later, she addressed the United Nations General Assembly bringing her advocacy for the right to clean drinking water to an international forum. 

In 2019, she spoke at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York and continues to travel the international stage speaking about Indigenous rights, inclusion, representation and collaboration, all while inspiring the next generation.

Amongst many accolades, she's received the Sovereign Medal of Exceptional Volunteerism from the Governor-General of Canada and the Global Environmental Leader from Prince Albert of Monaco the 2nd Foundation.

Autumn Peltier has been a featured speaker at The World Economic Forum, sharing the stage with Greta Thunberg. Shortlisted for the International Children's Peace Prize 3 times she was the 2022 prize runner-up, an acknowledgement of her global leadership.

In 2022, the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa installed an Autumn Peltier showcase display highlighting her ribbon skirts worn at the United Nations and highlighting her work and contributions as part of Canada’s history.

She has been featured in Maclean's Top 50 Canadian Power List and Elle Magazine’s Top 100 Woman Changemakers.

Autumn Peltier remains a passionate water justice advocate continually pushing for equality and collaboration for her people all while being a role model for female indigenous youth, and youth globally.