Young, aspiring leaders from across Saskatoon met Saturday at TCU Place for the Annual Youth Leadership Summit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss challenges and issues, meet new friends, learn skills and become familiar with city programs and services.

Keynote speaker J-Rebel as well as other youth panelists were there to share messages about the issues facing young people and decision makers today. It was all put on by the City of Saskatoon together with community-based organizations like Unified Minds, the Open Door Society and Youth Launch.

"I'm hoping from today that I'm going to learn about everyone else's experiences, and take that information with me to other projects and opportunities," said Unified Minds co-ordinator Melissa Johnston.

She said they've been focusing on a number of issues to improve communities, like curbing violence in relationships and how to help younger students in school.

Everyone there seemed to be learning something useful.

"It's good to try to make a difference in Saskatoon, to try to be a role model to younger youths," said 20-year-old Colt Ayap from the Oshkayak high school.

He explained how the reserve he was raised on had a lot of negativity, which inspired him to make a difference here.

The event was free, but limited to the first 75 betwen the ages of 14 and 25 who pre-registered.