Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day. We invite you all to build bridges, continue to educate yourself and those around you on the history of Indigenous Peoples.
Be Brave! Lean in and do the work. At youthLEADarts we remain committed to amplifying, supporting, and collaborating with Indigenous youth, artists, educators, elders, and Knowledge Keepers today and everyday!!
Here is what some of the youth who have been through youthLEADarts programming have to say:
“Our paddle propels us forward. We will fight like warriors for equality.”
-Nova, Grade 6/7 student Britannia co-creator of the film “Firm Fists, Not Pliable Poems”.
“I worry my paddle won’t push me forward. The songs of my ancestors play on my mind…my heart throbs like a drum.”
-Erin Grade 6/7 student Britannia co-creator of the film “I am the Artist who Paints Sunrises”.
“I am the last domino refusing to fall.”
-Avene Grade6/7 student Britannia co-creator of the film “The Last Domino”.
Candice Halls Howcroft, one of our Indigenous artists and mentors who hails from Squamish Nation reflects: “Truth & Reconciliation is a process and it is not going to happen over night. Before there can be any reconciliation there has to be an understanding of the TRUTH when it comes to our Canadian history. Reciprocity… be open to actively listening and engaging in the process with an open heart and open mind … and share it with others. All my Relations.”