When young people come together

By Ilse Turnsen

February 19, 2025

Low Down To Hull and Back News

Connection with the natural world and creative collaboration generate a thriving community. Sebastien (Seb) Molgat walks this talk. Nurtured by his family (Liane Benoit and Louis Molgat) and his community, Seb exemplifies his own statement upon being acknowledged by Starfish Canada as one of 2020’s outstanding young environmentalists: “When young people come together with a common goal, amazing things can happen.”

I first encountered Seb as Tiny Tim singing ‘Silent Night’ in a Theatre Wakefield production of ‘A Christmas Carol’. Nothing tiny or wavering in that pure, powerful voice: a portent of things to come.

In 2018 at age 20, Seb became aware of an Arctic Youth Summit to be held in Finland. Having an interest in the North, gleaned from his mother’s professional work in Arctic affairs, he followed a strong inner call and applied. He was selected along with 36 other Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth from 11 countries interested in Arctic biodiversity. The summit’s goals were to educate and empower youth to become involved in Conservation.

Seb, a videographer and student of political science, thought he could most effectively advocate for the environment from behind a camera. Attending the summit was part of a process to step out in front of the camera and try to make things happen instead. He did just that.

Seb acknowledges the mentorship of Robert and Brenda Rooney through Wakefield Film Camp and beyond, which provided him with critical skills.

“Film camp challenged youth to develop a story and produce a film all in one week. Community involvement and celebration were integral to the process, which required creativity, teamwork, courage and an abundance of editing grit,” said Brenda in a phone interview, who sends greetings from Waterloo.

At the summit, intense conversations led to the idea of an Arctic Youth Network (AYN) to connect isolated youth; be a channel for sharing information and opportunities; give youth a voice; and remove barriers and address the climate crisis, the legacy of colonialism, wellness and a good quality of life as inseparable priorities. In 2019, AYN was incorporated as a youth-founded and youth-led non-profi t organization supporting a pan-Arctic network of youth through interpersonal cooperation and capacity building. Seb, a catalyzing force, was elected as founding chair and then became executive director. After five years, he was proud to hand the leadership to others. Membership is now almost 900 people strong.

Sebastien is back among us! (“Moving between global and local is exhilarating and necessary.”) He is the director of communications for the 100 Mile Arts Network.

“Sebastien has been involved with 100 Mile Arts Network since the early days as a videographer and consultant on the purchase of equipment. Sebastien brings extensive experience to his role, particularly his ability to maintain the broader perspective of the Network’s mandate, his organizational skills, his calm and steady demeanour in his approach and his direct and transparent communication style. Sebastien is a key player in the success of the Network’s operations and sustainability,” according to Paul Brown, a Network board member.

Seb has become one of my role models. His advice to all of us: “We need to work together across generations and issues. Enthusiasm can only take you so far. The grunt work of team building and management, on-going grassroots conversations, web development, fund-raising and careful attention to governance are crucial in ensuring organizational sustainability. But trust in your ideas and your agency. Talk with friends. Make connections.”