Youth Advisory Council

Library and Archives Canada’s (LAC) Youth Advisory Council (YAC) helps us understand how youth view, access and relate to Canada's documentary heritage.

The 2023-2024 YAC cohort consists of 20 students and young professionals from across Canada, aged 16 to 25. They are eager to share their perspectives, recommendations and ideas on service transformation, with an even greater focus on outreach.

YAC members will:

  • attend monthly virtual meetings from November 2023 to May 2024
  • devote up to 14 hours per month to complete assignments, such as:
    • doing research
    • writing texts
    • promoting LAC on their personal social media accounts
  • develop recommendations on how we interact with the public through:
    • communications
    • programming
    • services
  • potentially co-develop 1-2 pilot projects with our staff

Meeting summaries

January 18, 2024

  • YAC members were introduced to the various aspects of LAC’s archival and published collections of Canada’s literary heritage.
  • Members of the Public Programming Division’s Literary Activities team introduced YAC members to the event ideation process they use in their work.
  • YAC members then shared their ideas and comments on a typical event highlighting LAC’s literary collections, during a brainstorming exercise.
  • This month’s assignment gave each member the opportunity to build on the brainstorming session by developing a concept for a literary event, following the steps in the ideation process presented.

December 14, 2023

  • The Reference Services team introduced YAC members to the basics of researching LAC’s published and archival collections.
  • This month’s assignment gave each member the opportunity to carry out a research project, taking on a predetermined role, providing feedback on the various research tools used, and reflecting on what might have made their research easier.

November 16, 2023

  • The 2023–2024 cohort of the YAC met for the first time.
  • Members met with Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada, and Gary Goodacre, YAC Co-Champion and Director, Public Programming.
  • Members, old and new, familiarized themselves with the workings of the YAC and the activities that support the mandate of LAC.
  • Members shared their interests and expectations regarding their participation in the YAC.

Members

Learn more about our 2023-2024 YAC members

2023-2024 YAC members

Returning members

Liam McKay-Argyriou
(he/him)

Born in Brandon, Manitoba Liam lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and attends Marion M. Graham Collegiate where he is a grade 12 student and co-president of the student council. Liam is a former member of the RCMP’s National Youth Advisory Committee and frequently volunteers in his community. In his spare time, he enjoys sports, graphic design, theatre and playing with his dachshund, Haggis. Liam is excited to return for another year with the YAC and hopes to encourage young Canadians to take an interest in their history.

Kory Melnick
(she/her)

Kory is a lifelong learner who is passionate about helping her community and connecting with others. She recently finished the combined degrees master of information management and master of resource and environmental management at Dalhousie University. Kory currently lives in Kingston, Ontario, where she works as a librarian at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library. When she’s not reading, you can often find her outside exploring or playing with her dogs.

Jeremy Houchane
(he/him)

Jeremy is a Grade 12 student and part of the International Baccalaureate Program at Charlottetown Rural High School in Prince Edward Island. He has won numerous music and academics awards, including high standings and honours with distinctions. He has been a member of several youth councils, including the LAC’s YAC, the RCMP National Youth Advisory Committee, and the Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health’s YAC. Jeremy is also a Shad Canada 2023 alumnus, having completed the program at Mount Allison University. He is passionate about history and health sciences and is excited to return for another year with the YAC.

New members

Elizabeth Olufowobi
(she/her)

Elizabeth is a Grade 12 student at John G. Diefenbaker in Calgary, Alberta. As an immigrant, she developed a passion for understanding diverse cultures and human behaviours. This interest led her to explore psychology through online courses and personal research. In addition to her academic pursuits, Elizabeth has a profound love for art, particularly drawing and painting. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a degree in science or arts, with a specialization in psychology, in order to deepen her understanding of human behaviour and have a positive impact on her community.

Lily Overacker
(she/they)

Lily is in her fourth year of a bachelor of arts in anthropology and history, with a minor in indigenous studies at the University of Lethbridge, located on Treaty 7 territory. She is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta and grew up in a small town called Blackfalds, which is on Treaty 6 territory in central Alberta. It was there that she became active in youth advocacy for 2SLGBTQ+ initiatives and community outreach work. Throughout her academic journey, Lily has been involved in several community-engaged research projects.She is currently working on her honours thesis, which delves into the realms of Métis family, oral history and archival narratives.

Piper Glenn
(she/her)

Piper grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and is currently a first-year student at Trent University where she is doing a joint major in history and marketing. An aspiring archivist, she is very interested in heritage and historical preservation and promotion. In addition to her academic studies, she has been working at the Trent University Archives as a student archives assistant. Piper completed her Grade 12 co-op placement at the Thunder Bay Archives and Records Centre where she also worked as an archivist assistant during the summer. a lover of history, she is particularly in witch trials, the French Revolution, and the Holocaust.

Alexia Benn
(she/her)

Alexia is originally from Vancouver, and acknowledges the territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Esquimalt, Songhees and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations on which she was raised. After graduating in 2022 with a bachelor of arts in political science and a minor in public administration from the University of Victoria, she found herself deeply affected by the resilience of local First Nations. Alexia currently works as an assistant for the Youth and Family Program for the Tsartlip First Nation and is passionate about dismantling systemic oppression through the transformative power of community, empowerment, genuine collaboration and effective policymaking. She also sits on the W̱SÁNEĆ Education and Training Council. 

Ruby Sadowski
(she/her)

Ruby is in her final year of high school at Marymount Academy International and plans on attending McGill University next year. She wants to study art history and eventually work as an art curator. Ruby loves doing pencil sketches of architectural designs and many other things. She is really looking forward to meeting everyone and being a part of LAC’s Youth Advisory Council.

Julia Madden
(she/her)

Julia lives on Treaty 7 territory in Calgary, Alberta, and is in her third year at Mount Royal University. She also works part-time at Bath and Body Works, and when life slows down, enjoys hanging out with friends and hiking in the mountains to get away from the city. Julia also love concerts! It doesn’t matter who’s playing — she’s going!

Kay Good
(she/her)

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Kayis currently working towards her library and information technician diploma at Mohawk College. She is Anishinaabe, with family from Mississauga of the Credit First Nation, as well as Whitefish River First Nation. Kay has dedicated herself to advancing her career in the library system, working for five years as a library page for her local public library and archives. She brings a passion for learning and diversity to the YAC. 

Eliza Siddiqui
(she/her)

Born in Calgary, Alberta, Eliza is in her first year of studying International relations at the University of Calgary. She loves getting involved with her local community by volunteering for organizations like the Calgary Public Library and tutoring for EquaLearn. Eliza looks forward to discussing diverse Canadian stories with the YAC and collaborating with youth from across the country. In her spare time, she enjoys making art, crocheting, and listening to music.

Nicole (Nic) Boyington
(they/il/elle)

Nicole, who prefers to be called “Nic”, is pursuing a bachelor of arts in history with honours at Carleton University. They hope to go on to study for a master’s degree. Nic particularly interested in the history of gender and sexuality, medieval history and ancient Greece. Currently, they are sharing their passion for history with the world as a tour guide.

Devin McCrae
(he/him)

Devin was born and raised in Port Moody, British Columbia. He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in behavioural neuroscience at Simon Fraser University (SFU). His passion lies in community engagement, which is why he is a peer mentor at SFU’s Indigenous Student Centre and works as a psychology research assistant. Additionally, he coaches two wrestling teams and dedicates much of his time to helping seniors with neurological disorders. Devin’s goal is to become a physician. He firmly believes in applying a systems-thinking approach to tackle complex problems, and sees YAC as an excellent opportunity to gain diverse perspectives from across Canada. In his free time, he loves swimming, hiking, climbing, and trail running.

Axel Brett
(he/him)

Axel is a fourth-year history and museum studies student at the University of Lethbridge. He is passionate about preservation and heritage management in his local community. He has also volunteered for museums in his hometown of Grande Prairie and plans to pursue a master’s in museum studies. Axel looks forward to joining the YAC to meet people from different fields and gain new perspectives and experiences that will help him in the future. In my spare time, he enjoys collecting board games, playing football, and watching cartoons. 

Iman Abdulwahid
(she/her)

Iman is a Grade 11 student from Vancouver, British Columbia. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, reading and sewing, and takes great pleasure in trying new things. Her career goal is to study in scientific field, where she hopes to make a meaningful contribution. Iman is actively involved in community work and is fluent in both English and Arabic, reflecting her Eritrean heritage.

Bella Andrews
(she/her)

Bella is a Grade 12 student at Frontenac Secondary School in Kingston, Ontario. She has a range of hobbies that keep her busy, including embroidery, digital and traditional art and reading classic literature. Additionally, Bella has a keen interest in history and aspires to pursue her passions by obtaining a master of art conservation from Queen’s University.

Stephanie Jean Pierre
(she/her)

Stephanie was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. She absolutely loves being a community leader and is deeply passionate about environmentalism, feminism, and the arts. During her free time, she enjoys volunteering, reading and watching films at independent cinemas. Stephanie is also an honours student and currently works at the Hamilton Public Library. She is looking forward to attending university in the fall of 2024.

Monet Hoyt
(she/her)

Monet is pursuing an international bachelor of arts in history and archaeology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She recently completed her second summer as a tourism information officer and has a deep love for her home province. Her passion lies in developing connections between places through the exchange and exploration of story. In the future, Monet hopes to work with the loaning of exhibits between museums so that stories can reach even further. She looks forward to what she will learn and have to offer during her time with the YAC.

Thea Duffie
(she/her)

Thea is pursuing a Bachelor of Design, majoring in interdisciplinary design. Her academic journey began with a combined honours in contemporary philosophy and classics, but the pandemic led her to pivot towards a more creative career path. With her keen eye for aesthetics and appreciation for creativity, she focuses her studies on graphic design for print publishing and brand design. With her background in philosophy and classics, Thea brings a unique perspective to the design world, blending critical thinking with artistic innovation to create impactful visual experiences.

Marie-Pier Crevier
(she/her)

Marie-Pier is a fourth-year student of a joint major in history and political science. In 2020, she had the privilege of working as a page in the House of Commons, where she served Canadians from across the country. She was also a guide in Beaumont-Hamel and Vimy, contributing to the preservation of Canadian heritage. Currently, she holds a position within the Canada Border Services Agency. Marie-Pier also identifies as a proud defender of the rights of people with disabilities. Her greatest passion is classical ballet, which led her to discover a love for music and theatre. Today, she continues to dance in an adult group in her community. Her journey reflects her quest for knowledge, as well as her commitment and passion for the arts.

Contact us

For more information on the YAC, please contact us at jeunesse-youth@bac-lac.gc.ca

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