Ecosystems of Engagement: A Visit to the University of British Columbia

On September 28, 2026, the Talloires Network Secretariat and For Youth, By Youth Movement visited the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam). We had the opportunity to explore the beautiful campus and community at University of British Columbia (UBC), a longstanding network member, for a day of connection, shared learning, and relationship-building.

Together with colleagues from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program and xʷc̓ic̓əsəm, we created space to exchange perspectives, deepen relationships, and explore how universities can support youth-led action and more holistic approaches to community engagement.

Learning from One Another

Our visit included time with faculty from UBC’s Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program, where we shared experiences, reflected on our respective challenges and triumphs, and explored how our work can create lasting, positive change at institutional, personal, and community levels.

We left feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from one another and strengthen relationships across our communities and around the world. These connections remind us that meaningful movements are built not in isolation, but through shared vision, trust, and a willingness to learn and grow together.

“Through this educational journey, we unite as Knowledge Keepers, community leaders, academics and the next generation of land stewards.”

— Dr. Garry Merkel, on UBC’s Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program

Creating Space for Youth Connection

At UBC’s Global Lounge, we gathered with Mastercard Foundation Scholars, For Youth, By Youth participants, and other learners for an open conversation about youth leadership, civic engagement, and community-driven change.

The conversation offered an opportunity to share more about the Talloires Network’s For Youth, By Youth Movement, learn about the experiences of young learners at UBC, and explore ways to connect and get involved.

Learning Through Land and Relationship

Our time together also included a visit to UBC’s Indigenous Garden, xʷc̓ic̓əsəm, where we had the opportunity to connect with the land, learn about the plants, and reflect on the relationships between people, place, and knowledge.

The experience invited us to slow down, be present, and listen—to the place, the people, and the knowledge held within those relationships. It also brought us back to the Four R’s that guide the garden’s research ethics framework: respect, relevance, reciprocity, and responsibility.

As Dr. Eduardo Jovel, founder and director of xʷc̓ic̓əsəm, has shared:

“When working with indigenous partners, we advocate a common protocol that follows the four ‘R’s’ – respect, responsibility, reciprocity and relevance.”

These principles are a meaningful reminder that engaged work is not simply about what we bring to a community, but also how we show up, what we are willing to learn, and how we nurture relationships over time. We left grateful for the opportunity to learn together and reflect on how we can carry these values into our work and relationships moving forward.

Growing Together through Relationships

Our visit to UBC was a reminder that engaged higher education begins with relationships. Through genuine conversations with students, shared experiences with with campus partners, and opportunities to learn from the land, we were reminded of the value of showing up with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn.

As the Talloires Network and For Youth, By Youth Movement continue to grow, we remain committed to nurturing relationships that are reciprocal and inclusive. Together, we can create space for communities to shape a more connected world and ripple positive change across institutions, communities, and generations.