This is Cameroon ’26
History was made.
Three days, one community. In May 2026 young Cameroonians from across Canada and the United States came to Calgary for the first Cameroonian National Youth Convention, hosted by CYAC.
Calgary, May 22 to 24, 2026
“An absolute masterclass in community, talent, and culture.”
That is how we summed it up on Instagram after the weekend. The recap reel became the most-liked post in CYAC’s history. Watch it on Instagram.
The weekend
Every day had its own energy: a premiere, a conference, a tournament, a brunch and a red carpet.
Day 1
Friday, May 22
Meet, watch, dance
6:00 PM
A sold-out meet and greet
Young Cameroonians from Calgary, Edmonton, Ontario, Ottawa-Gatineau and beyond meet, many for the first time.
7:00 PM
The premiere of Mbenguiste
Our first feature film, written and acted by CYAC members, about sacrifice, integration, belonging and resilience.
11:00 PM
The afterparty
Music, dancing and the start of a long weekend.
Day 2
Saturday, May 23
Breaking through
12:00 PM
CamYouth Connect
A networking conference on the theme “Breaking Through”, with Cameroonian professionals from three generations sharing the paths that got them where they are.
6:00 PM
The National CamYouth Soccer Tournament
Four teams compete for the cup at Rotary Challenger Park, with a cookout, egg races, bag races and tug of war on the side.
Night
Game night
Day 3
Sunday, May 24
Achombo and the red carpet
Midday
Achombo brunch
A Cameroonian brunch with chef Shu.
6:00 PM
The Red Carpet Gala and fundraiser
The finale: Cameroonian cuisine, fashion, art and a night none of us will forget.
Mbenguiste
In Cameroon, a mbenguiste is someone who has left home to build a life abroad. Our members wrote, acted in and produced this 42-minute film about that journey, and premiered it on the first night of the convention. Watch the full film here.
In pictures
Photos by Chris Jordan Photography. Video by Sonjong Media, creative direction by Mongeh Sonjong.
Our national network
TIC26 was hosted by CYAC and built with our sister associations. Thank you for travelling, playing, and celebrating with us.
Cameroonian Youth Association of Edmonton
Edmonton, @cyaedmonton
Jeunesse Bamiléké Ontario
Ontario, @jeunessebamilekeontario
Young Cameroonians Association Ottawa-Gatineau
Ottawa-Gatineau, @ycaottawagatineau
JBO Ottawa-Gatineau
Ottawa-Gatineau, @jboottawagatineau
SoCal Cameroonian Young Adults Association
Southern California, @socalcamyoungadultsassociation
Follow the convention
TikTok, @this_is_cameroon
Be part of the next one
The first edition is behind us. The next one is already on our minds. Members help plan it, and sponsors make it possible.
Why sponsors back TIC
- Reach young Cameroonian professionals and students from across Canada in one weekend.
- Your brand on the red carpet, the conference stage and our social channels.
- Direct support for youth-led work in Calgary and in Cameroon.
With thanks to our partners
