Since February 2022, our CREation Community Grants Team has been sending out Q&A forms to CREation Grantees to capture their experiences creating and carrying out their projects. Today we are featuring responses from the REC Nation: Building Art and Culture – Lè Bubbiès project, led by youth leader Sarah Hill from Oneida Nations of the Thames, Southwold, ON.
Q : Tell us about your group and project!
A : Our youth project allows for Oneida youth to learn how to create art through making traditional regalia, which also allows the youth to express themselves through their art style. The youth aim to become more knowledgeable in life skills, such as sewing, and gain cultural support from our facilitators through sharing their ideas for their beadwork and designs. Our program supports a small group of youth within the Oneida community who are without regalia of their own and who want to learn more about the importance of the Oneida culture. This program is helping to build a sense of community amongst our youth as they will share their talents and skills with one another.
Q : As the youth running the project, what impact do you hope it will have?
A : Our goal is to support the youth by encouraging them to continue to support their fellow youth and provide programming that is of their interest. We are also hoping to have the youth build on the skills they are learning in our program to one day become program developers, facilitators or business owners.
Q : What is something you have learned?
A : As a group, we have learned that it’s important to have a safe space where you can learn and grow within your own community. To have the opportunity to relax and learn new skills without judgement in a safe and welcoming environment.
As a group, we have learned that it’s important to have a safe space where you can learn and grow within your own community.
Sarah Hill from the REC Nation: Building Art and Culture Project
Q : What is one piece of advice you would share with other youth who want to run a project?
A : Our favourite moment so far in the programming is seeing the youth participants support and encourage one another if one is feeling stuck or lost. The youth have really bonded throughout the program, and they are open to providing support and guidance to one another. This has been wonderful to witness.
We are so proud of the heart-work our young relatives like Sarah are doing across Turtle Island and are so lucky to be able to support them in their work.