iHuman Youth Society

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iHuman Youth Society iHuman is all about creating workable pathways for youth to live healthy lives. www.ihuman.org This project premiered at the Art Gallery of Alberta in 2000.

iHuman is an Edmonton non profit organization that was first formed by Wallis Kendal and Sandra Bromley in 1997. Its original goal was to support arts activities that led to positive social change. Kendal and Bromley first encountered a small group of youth while they were working on the Gun Sculpture (www.gunsculpture.com), a five-tonne anti-violence art project. Since many of the youth had troubled pasts and the Gun Sculpture was constructed out of actual deactivated weapons, they decided to redirect and mentor the youth in an anti-violence initiative called the Red Tear. By the time the project ended, the group of Edmonton youth at risk had grown to twelve with many more showing interest. Kendal and Bromley continued to mentor these high-risk youth until iHuman received its first grant two years later, at which time iHuman’s first employee was hired. As more youth came to iHuman, it became obvious to the founders that iHuman would have to expand further and provide youth services (support and outreach), as well asarts training. Today, iHuman has become a youth-driven non-profit that develops programs solely for youth, responds to youth’s changing needs, and uses the arts as a positive engagement tool.

Some losses change a community.They are felt in the spaces we share, the relationships we build, and the everyday moment...
10/21/2026

Some losses change a community.

They are felt in the spaces we share, the relationships we build, and the everyday moments that suddenly feel different.

At iHuman, we know that grief doesn't follow a timeline. It can be deeply personal, while also being felt across an entire community.

In the weeks ahead, we want to make space for conversations about mental health, grief, connection, and the importance of caring for one another.
For the young people who find belonging here, the artists who access our studios, our social workers, counsellors, front line workers and community members who give so much of themselves. For everyone carrying something that may not be visible to others.

We don't always know what another person is experiencing.
But we can choose to approach one another with greater compassion, curiosity, and care.

iHuman Youth Society | Mental Health Awareness

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we celebrate the beauty, strength and diversity of First Nations, Métis an...
09/30/2026

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we celebrate the beauty, strength and diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures and the young people who carry their stories, creativity and traditions forward.

At iHuman Youth Society, Indigenous teachings inspire us to nurture relationships, honor each person’s gifts and recognize our responsibility to one another. Through cultural connection, ceremony, storytelling and art, youth have opportunities to explore their identities and build a sense of belonging.

There is beauty in the knowledge shared across generations, in the generosity of community and in the ways young people express culture through music, fashion and visual art. At iHuman, we encourage youth to explore and embrace their cultures in ways that feel meaningful to them, with space to ask questions, learn and express who they are. These are living cultures, rooted in history and continually shaped by new voices.

Today and every day, we honor Indigenous youth and their right to feel proud of who they are.

Celebrating the Life of Sean ArcetaThe family of our dear friend and colleague, Sean Arceta, invites those whose lives h...
09/28/2026

Celebrating the Life of Sean Arceta

The family of our dear friend and colleague, Sean Arceta, invites those whose lives he touched to come together to remember and celebrate him.

Saturday, October 3, 2026
Edmonton Crematorium & Funeral Home
6403 Roper Road NW, Edmonton

Viewing: 10:00 a.m.
Celebration of Life: 2:00 p.m.

For those who are unable to attend in person, the Celebration of Life will also be livestreamed. We will share the link as soon as it becomes available.

Anyone who knew Sean will likely remember his style. You could often find him in a Nike or Adidas tracksuit or a bomber jacket. In his honor, those attending are encouraged to wear them and join Sean’s family in celebrating him in true Sean style.

Sean meant so much to the iHuman community. For more than 15 years, he was a trusted presence in the lives of young people and a deeply valued friend and colleague to so many of us.

We hope everyone who loved Sean, worked alongside him, or was impacted by his kindness will have the opportunity to come together, share memories and celebrate the life of someone who gave so much to others.

Come as you are, or come dressed like Sean.

A system of care should feel like care.It should offer safe spaces that remain accessible.It should guarantee privacy an...
09/23/2026

A system of care should feel like care.
It should offer safe spaces that remain accessible.
It should guarantee privacy and respect.

Youth should not be expected to carry the weight of navigating an entire system by themselves.
Youth should not have to keep track of which door opens, or when.
Youth should not have to repeat painful parts of their story to multiple people

Our team helps with practical things like identification and documentation, while recognizing the importance of deeply human things:

Creativity.
Belonging.
Community.
Connection.

At iHuman, survival behaviours provide context and understanding, not evidence that youth are unwilling or undeserving.

09/22/2026

iHUMAN ART WALK 2026
This year’s Art Walk saw record breaking art sales and attendance with all proceeds going directly to the youth artists who created the work.
But the impact of the weekend goes far beyond the numbers.

Every young artist had the opportunity to have their work displayed, experienced, and appreciated. They watched people stop in front of something they created. They talked about their work. They saw pieces leave with people who connected with them.
Every youth felt seen.
Every youth felt heard.
And their creativity was valued.

This is what Art Walk is about.
To our sponsors, partners, donors, visitors, and everyone who shared, purchased art or helped spread the word: thank you. Your support created a platform where young artist could take up space, share their perspectives and earn income from their creativity.
A special thank you to our Art Studio Coordinators whose mentorship, encouragement and countless hours helped to bring this exhibition to life.
And to the entire iHuman team, from the people working behind the scenes to those welcoming our community through the doors, thank you for showing up for young people and for each other.
Most importantly, to our artists: thank you for trusting us with your work, your ideas and your creativity.

Art Walk may be over, but the work, and the art, continues!

For most of us, having to replace or renew our ID is annoying, but a simple problem to solve.For a young person experien...
09/21/2026

For most of us, having to replace or renew our ID is annoying, but a simple problem to solve.
For a young person experiencing homelessness, obtaining or replacing identification is not simple. It requires money, transportation, supporting documents, a reliable mailing address and help navigating an unfamiliar process, all while managing the demands of daily survival.

Without identification, the doors to safety and stability often remain closed. Accessing shelter, healthcare, employment, education, banking and other essential services become much more difficult.

That is why our team helps registered youth obtain identification. We work alongside them through each step, helping to navigate requirements and overcome barriers along the way.

Identification is more than a piece of plastic; it can mean independence and access to opportunities many of us rarely have to think about.

At iHuman, we understand that not every young person has access to personal identification. Youth should still be able to have a meal, take a shower, do their laundry, connect with a mentor or find a safe place to spend the day.

We build trust by extending trust which means we facilitate access to basic supports without presenting ID. Once youth are registered with iHuman, we assist them in obtaining or replacing their identification, removing a barrier that can make it harder to access shelter, healthcare, education, employment, banking and other essential services.

Consistency creates the conditions in which progress becomes possible.Instability and trauma can affect attention, memor...
09/19/2026

Consistency creates the conditions in which progress becomes possible.

Instability and trauma can affect attention, memory, trust and emotional regulation. When a young person is living with instability, survival can look like disengagement from the outside. Missed appointments, difficulty making decisions or hesitation to accept support may be interpreted as a lack of commitment.

At iHuman, we know that readiness cannot always be scheduled and progress does not always follow a predictable timeline.

The Public Health Agency of Canada identifies safety, choice, collaboration and connection as core principles of trauma and violence-informed support. These approaches recognize how trauma can shape behaviour and emphasize creating environments that reduce harm and strengthen resilience.

Our relationship-based support allows youth to step away and return without judgment and we consider return as another opportunity to build trust, connect with resources and move forward when they are ready.

Sometimes progress begins with knowing that the door remains open.

Young people should not have to surrender their privacy to prove they deserve support.Youth-serving organizations often ...
09/16/2026

Young people should not have to surrender their privacy to prove they deserve support.
Youth-serving organizations often work together to help young people navigate complex systems. That coordination is essential.
So are privacy, dignity and the right to seek help without judgment.
Youth should be able to access counselling, healthcare, social support, or simply a safe place to rest, without being judged for what they need, how they seek it or whether they are ready to disclose the details of their personal circumstances.
Trust grows when youth know their information will be handled carefully and respectfully.
Support should not require a young person to explain everything repeatedly, reveal everything or prove that their needs are worthy.

Edgy. Electric. Dramatic.Experimental rock band Dicentra took the stage at iHuman’s 4th Annual Art Walk and turned the t...
09/15/2026

Edgy. Electric. Dramatic.

Experimental rock band Dicentra took the stage at iHuman’s 4th Annual Art Walk and turned the theatre into a dance party.

These striking images by the incredibly talented capture the energy, movement and beautifully unconventional spirit of the performance.

Thank you, Dicentra, for giving Art Walk a finale to remember.
Thank you, Quinson Photography for these amazing photos.

Address

9635 102A Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5H0G3

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 6pm
Tuesday 11am - 6pm
Wednesday 11am - 6pm
Thursday 11am - 6pm
Friday 12pm - 6pm

Telephone

+17804218811

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