Various Statements & Recognitions

BILINGUAL STATEMENT

The Youth Media Alliance (YMA) is an organization fully committed to bilingualism, reflecting both its values and its mission. The YMA operates in Canada’s two official languages in a visible and pragmatic manner, in both its internal and external communications.

Bilingualism at YMA ensures equitable access to information and opens the door to a diversity of perspectives. It allows for the expression of the distinct realities of each linguistic community. It also promotes fairness in the understanding and interpretation of YMA’s activities, regardless of the language spoken by participants.

In meetings, participants are reminded that discussions are bilingual, and each person is invited to speak in the language of their choice. Support is provided through captioning and spontaneous interpretation when needed, so that everyone can feel comfortable participating fully. The Annual General Meeting and Board of Directors meetings are bilingual, and official materials are presented in both languages whenever possible, or in a single language when appropriate. Language equity is a guiding principle in the organization of all events.

YMA also ensures that its official documents—activity reports, annual reports, internal memos, policy briefs, and communications intended for public authorities—are carefully prepared and reviewed to guarantee their linguistic quality.

With respect to governance, the leadership of YMA committees is held either by a bilingual individual or by two individuals—one able to speak in French and the other in English. These leaders help ensure that the realities and stakeholders of both linguistic communities are taken into account in the organization’s decisions. They also maintain a clear understanding of the francophone and anglophone cultural ecosystems within the industry, thereby ensuring fair and appropriate representation of members.

In summary, bilingualism at YMA is a concrete commitment: it aims to enable full and equitable participation for all, ensure the quality of communications, and promote an inclusive and respectful environment for Canada’s two official languages.

Bilingualism is not merely a technical requirement but also a commitment we make to equity, access, transparency, and respect for our members and our mission.

It is part of who we are.

Recognition of indigenous narrative sovereignty

When in Toronto: We, the YMA, acknowledge the land we work on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaty signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

When in Montreal: We, the YMA, acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional and unceded territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) Nation, who have long served as the custodians of these lands and waters. Tiohtià:ke (Montreal) has historically been a place of meeting and exchange among many First Nations and continues to be home to a diverse Indigenous community.

The YMA supports and promotes the narrative sovereignty of all Indigenous nations

Diversity-Equity-Inclusion

To support greater diversity in youth production and creation teams, the YMA, along with its partners has included people from diverse or indigenous, Black, people of colour, or LGBTQ2S+ communities. Here are some example of intergration: 

• An inclusive mission statement (To support the fostering, development and availability of quality, inclusive and meaningful Canadian content for children and youth while celebrating its excellence.)

• Making our Board of directors inclusive and reflective of Canada

• Seeking BIPOC representation on panels, juries, awards shows and conferences

• Programming sessions about authentic representation, cultural appropriation, stereotypical portrayals, and other content issues

• CRTC presentations that advocate for children’s content that is diverse and respectful

• Using the YMA newsletter to inform members of funding programs and policies of the BSO and ISO

• Managing the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion bursaries with the 4 broadcaster partners

• Offering the John Rooney Fund jointly with Taafi to honour LGBTQ2S+ talent

• Land acknowledgements at our events

• The recognition of Indigenous sovereignty on our website

• The recognition of the Canadian Screen Industry’s Statement of Values on our website

• Staff and committee members who actively seek opportunities to support diversity and to work with diverse creatives and contractors

• Present at decision-making tables: juries, panelists, advisory boards and working committes, and board of directors members.

The YMA is proud of the efforts it has made and know this will continue to be a filter as we move forward.

Mitigating the Environmental Impact of Events

The YMA helps mitigate the environmental impact of all its activities by adopting sustainable practices throughout the event. This includes choosing venues with strong green policies, reducing printed materials by prioritizing digital programs, and encouraging participants to use reusable water bottles and coffee cups. Offering plant-based and locally sourced menu options, minimizing single-use plastics, and ensuring effective waste sorting and recycling on-site are also important steps. Finally, the YMA promotes low-carbon travel by encouraging public transit, carpooling, or virtual participation options where possible, ensuring the conference remains both impactful and environmentally responsible.

Recognition of the Canadian Screen Industry's

The YMA joins organizations across Canada’s screen industry to say: this is what we stand for and commit to:
1. Representation – Ensuring Canadian and Indigenous stories are seen and heard.
2. Reflection – Everyone in Canada should see themselves on screen.
3. Showcase – Telling our stories to the world.
4. Reconciliation – Taking real steps to work with and support Indigenous storytellers.
5. Diversity – Making room for a wide range of lived experiences and perspectives.
6. Access – Breaking down barriers to participation and opportunity.
7. Support – Backing the screen industry as a vital part of our economy and culture.
8. Collaboration – Working across sectors and borders to strengthen our industry.
9. Sustainability – Creating a future that works for people and the planet.
10. Accountability – Setting goals, tracking progress, and staying honest about where we are.
11. Equity – Actively dismantling systemic discrimination in all its forms.