Fostering Understanding: The Role of Indigenous Education for Newcomer Youth
Understanding Indigenous history and culture is vital for building a more inclusive and welcoming community. For newcomer youth in Canada, learning about the rich traditions, struggles, and contributions of Indigenous peoples helps foster empathy, respect, and a sense of connection to their new home.
Additionally, many newcomers come from countries with their own complex histories of colonialism, where Indigenous people have faced and continue to face significant impacts. This shared history allows newcomers to develop a deeper empathy and connection to the experiences of Indigenous communities in Canada. By recognizing these parallels, we can build stronger relationships between newcomers and Indigenous communities, contributing to reconciliation efforts.
Our Indigenous Education Programs for Newcomer Youth
At the Regina Open Door Society (RODS), we are committed to providing newcomer youth with educational programs that highlight Indigenous history and culture. This programming occurs year-round through our Welcoming Community for Newcomers (WCN) program. This summer, we included reconciliation through education activities as part of our Youth Summer Blast program. The programming is filled with enriching activities and learning experiences and concludes with a trip to Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
The 4-Day Workshop Experience
During the workshop, participants engaged in various activities designed to deepen their understanding of Indigenous traditions and history. These included games, art projects, and nature walks. The hands-on approach allowed the youth to connect with the material meaningfully, making the learning experience both enjoyable and impactful.
The workshop was led by two exceptional facilitators:
Stephanie Paullette Bellefleur, a Contemporary Visual Artist from Venezuela who grew up in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan. Stephanie highlighted the harsh realities of colonialism, racism, residential schools, treaties, and systemic issues faced by marginalized communities. She shared,
“The reality is that everything in life is temporary. As we discuss themes around colonialism, racism, residential schools, the pass system, treaties, and systemic issues for marginalized people, we acknowledge both the suffering of addictions, drug, and sexual abuse. We are looking to inform and prepare young people to activate their inner flames, be kind, advocate, and walk in a good way.”
Philip Johnston Brass, an Ecological Literacy Specialist and Speaker for Indigenous-led solutions. Philip’s expertise enriched the participants’ understanding of Indigenous ecological knowledge and its relevance today.
This workshop was made possible through a partnership with the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan’s ICARE program. The Intercultural Connections and Anti-Racism Engagement (ICARE) project aims to build relationships between Indigenous, newcomer, established immigrant, and settler communities while addressing racism, oppression, and colonialism. By using an intersectional and decolonial lens, ICARE works toward eliminating discrimination, racism, and prejudice through workshops, online resources, and community activities.
A Visit to Wanuskewin Heritage Park
The week culminated in a field trip to Wanuskewin Heritage Park. This visit allowed participants to explore interactive exhibits, art galleries, videos, and presentation spaces celebrating Northern Plains Indigenous cultures. They also walked through the Wanuskewin trails, which offered a journey through a landscape with thousands of years of history, providing a tangible context to the lessons learned during the workshop.
Our Goals and Future Efforts
Our goal at RODS is to continue offering activities that connect newcomers with Indigenous culture, art, and history. We hope that by doing so, they become ambassadors within their own communities, fostering understanding and building bridges between newcomer and Indigenous communities. These efforts aim to contribute to reconciliation and create a community where everyone feels welcome and valued. We strive to provide meaningful learning experiences that empower youth and promote mutual respect and understanding.
