The Rural Ontario Institute held the first-ever Rural Ontario Youth Summit in Belleville, Ontario this past weekend. The summit was held in partnership with the United Way.

Attendees at the summit explored the tradeshow at the event to learn about services provided to youth by various community organizations such as the Community Development Council of Quinte and the Madoc & District Chamber of Commerce.

Vicki MacDonald, a member of the City of Belleville's Youth Engagement committee was present during the summit to engage with youth in the area.

"There are a lot of adults on council, which is great, but we're here to make sure the youth voices get heard," says MacDonald.

Youth were invited to participate in various workshops for leadership development and listen to panels that featured youth from rural communities who are entrepreneurs and leaders within their community.

To start off the day filled with events, the Mayor of Belleville had some encouraging words for youth in attendance.

"A bad idea can become a good idea, so don't be afraid to stick up for your ideas," said Mayor Neil Ellis during his opening address for the summit.

Following the Mayor's speech was a performance from David R. Maracle, a member of the Mohawks of Quinte community to share teachings about land and water, along with teachings on several of the Indigenous instruments used during his performance.

If youth living in rural Ontario would like to get involved with the Rural Ontario Institute, they can find more information on their website www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca.