Honour My Voice

Yuklaanas will work with Aboriginal youth at several schools in East Vancouver (some schools are in the Downtown East Side of Vancouver). The youth in this area are struggling in many ways and we wish to address those needs through art, social media, media arts and publishing. Through consultation with Aboriginal youth, various organizations, schools and other service providers, we will identify the needs and issues the youth want addressed. Various art forms will be utilized to help the youth will explore ways to let others know about their needs and ways that they can find solutions to concerns and how to fulfil their needs.

Yuklaanas and Kloshe'nem are sister companies that have worked with Aboriginal youth and Aboriginal youth at risk for over 3 years. Both companies have trusted and loyal relationships in the Aboriginal community (individuals and organizations) due to the work we have done over the years (paid and unpaid). Artistic connections and passion for making a difference with youth has made us successful in the delivery of programming to Aboriginal youth in the Lower Mainland. Professional drama artists, creative writers, media artists, youth mentors, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations have all expressed interest in partnering with us in our work with Aboriginal youth. This is due in large part to the professionalism, reliability, passion and zeal for the projects we take on.

The process will be as follows:
1. Meet with School principals to set up consultations with Aboriginal youth.
2. Meet with local service providers and organizations to set up consultations with Aboriginal youth.
3. Conduct consultations with youth at school, after school and/or with Aboriginal youth organizations. Data will be collected. We will find out what the youth are happy about, concerned about, worried about, scared of, etc. We will also find out how they think these issues can be addressed. With youth consultation it is very important to give them programming that they "own", that they desire and that they buy in to.
4. Deliver programming. This will be done in school, after school and at local Aboriginal organizations. It is anticipated that the youth will want to use Aboriginal art, culture tradition to share their knowledge. This will be documented through film, digital photography, visual art, drama and creative writing. Their works will be compiled and used -at their discretion - in a book, video, blog and/or facebook or other social media avenues.
5. The book will be published and used as a resource for youth in the community, provincially and nationally.

About You

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About You

First Name

Anastasia

Last Name

Hendry

Confirm a user name that will be displayed publicly to identify your entry

Yuklaanas

About You, Your Group, or Your Organization

Name

Yuklaanas

Country

Canada

Please confirm that this project could benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples

Yes

Twitter URL

@yuklaanas

Facebook URL

yuklaanasfacebook

What categories best describe who your group or organization serves (check all that apply)

First Nations people, Métis people.

What best describes your group or organization

Community group or youth group, Elementary or Secondary school.

How long have you, your group, or your organization been operating?

More than 5 years

Innovation

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Name Your Entry

Honour My Voice

Tell us the story of your idea or project

Yuklaanas will work with Aboriginal youth at several schools in East Vancouver (some schools are in the Downtown East Side of Vancouver). The youth in this area are struggling in many ways and we wish to address those needs through art, social media, media arts and publishing. Through consultation with Aboriginal youth, various organizations, schools and other service providers, we will identify the needs and issues the youth want addressed. Various art forms will be utilized to help the youth will explore ways to let others know about their needs and ways that they can find solutions to concerns and how to fulfil their needs.
Yuklaanas and Kloshe'nem are sister companies that have worked with Aboriginal youth and Aboriginal youth at risk for over 3 years. Both companies have trusted and loyal relationships in the Aboriginal community (individuals and organizations) due to the work we have done over the years (paid and unpaid). Artistic connections and passion for making a difference with youth has made us successful in the delivery of programming to Aboriginal youth in the Lower Mainland. Professional drama artists, creative writers, media artists, youth mentors, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations have all expressed interest in partnering with us in our work with Aboriginal youth. This is due in large part to the professionalism, reliability, passion and zeal for the projects we take on.
The process will be as follows:
1. Meet with School principals to set up consultations with Aboriginal youth.
2. Meet with local service providers and organizations to set up consultations with Aboriginal youth.
3. Conduct consultations with youth at school, after school and/or with Aboriginal youth organizations. Data will be collected. We will find out what the youth are happy about, concerned about, worried about, scared of, etc. We will also find out how they think these issues can be addressed. With youth consultation it is very important to give them programming that they "own", that they desire and that they buy in to.
4. Deliver programming. This will be done in school, after school and at local Aboriginal organizations. It is anticipated that the youth will want to use Aboriginal art, culture tradition to share their knowledge. This will be documented through film, digital photography, visual art, drama and creative writing. Their works will be compiled and used -at their discretion - in a book, video, blog and/or facebook or other social media avenues.
5. The book will be published and used as a resource for youth in the community, provincially and nationally.

Define your idea / project in 1-2 short sentences

We will work with Aboriginal youth in East Vancouver to address their needs and desires using various art forms that will be shared virtually and in a book.

Select the stage that best applies to your solution

Idea

Social Impact

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Please tell us about the social impact of your idea or proect

This project will develop and enhance the self esteem of Aboriginal youth in East Vancouver. It will empower them in that they will learn that they have a voice that deserves to be heard. We will honour their voice by helping them discover creative ways to express their voice and creative ways to share their voice. Traditionally our First Nations learn by "doing", hands on learning has been and continues to be effective and is one of the best ways to reach our youth. Elders, professional artists and Aboriginal art and tradition will be some of the tools utilized to reach the youth.

Your Future Goal(s): Tell us what you hope to achieve with your idea or project in the next year

It is hoped that the youth will wish to continue the project as mentors next year and keep them interested in school.

In 5 years, what will be different as a result of your idea/project?

The project will be a model for school districts across Canada that have large Aboriginal populations as well as remote Aboriginal schools. Retention at an elementary and secondary level is an issue across Canada and with a growing Aboriginal population there is the potential that more students may leave school. Youth embrace technology and through media art, social media, visual art and tradition we may be able to help youth realize the many ways they can empower themselves. These teachings are also potential career choices.

Sustainability

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Tell us about the people/ partnerships that are already involved and why they are important to your idea or project.

Yukaanas & Kloshe'nem are partnering in this proposal. We have worked together for over 3 years and have made an impact in the Aboriginal community. We have solid relationships with Vancouver Schools, principals and teachers. We also have worked with Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA), KidSafe, RYSA (Richmond Youth Services Association) and Pathways Aboriginal Services. We often partner with these organizations to work with youth at risk to provide creative teaching that address issues and concerns of the youth and the organizations.

If there are other people/partners that you will reach out to tell us who they are and why they will be important to your idea or project.

-Lori Sherritt Fleming is my business partner(Kloshe'nem) and is a professional actor & published author. She has worked with a national arts organization as an artist and administrator and is an valuable partner.
-Christine McKenzie is a young female Aboriginal artist, a trained art educator with over 3 years experience working with at risk youth.
-Adrienne Greyeyes: is a professional Aboriginal artist that has many years working with at risk youth.
-Deanne Esdale: is a media artist trained as an art educator and administrator
-KidSafe: Gerhard Maynard is an ex-colleague that supports the work we do with at risk youth and is willing to partner with us.
-Vancouver School board -various schools. We have had meetings with various East Vancouver schools but due to job action it has been difficult to move forward on projects.

Describe the kinds of support you receive (other than money) or will need to support your idea or project (e.g.: donated, space, equipment and volunteers)

If we get the funding we will get in kind support from the local schools and KidSafe. These contributions include food, supplies and venue. There is also the potential to have contributions of photocopying and support staff.

Do you currently have funding for your idea or project?

No (skip next two questions)

17 weeks agoAnastasia Hendry updated this Competition Entry.
17 weeks agoAnastasia Hendry submitted this idea.