For the past two weeks, the Regina Open Door Society Summer Blast youth participated in a workshop to teach them about Indigenous ways of knowing and culture through art-based activities. The workshop was hosted by Melissa Worme from Kawacatoose First Nation and Tracey George Heese from Ochapowace First Nation.
The theme of the workshop was finding belonging through intercultural theatre and performance. Melissa hoped to help newcomer youth feel a sense of belonging both in Canada and on Treaty 4 land, while also promoting that they connect with others who are experiencing the same challenges of integrating into a new culture and community. The youth quickly discovered the similarities between their own cultures and Indigenous culture.
During the workshop, youth participated in a variety of theatre-based games designed to practice skills such as building connections with peers, increasing their focus, using their voice, stepping out of their comfort zone, and using their imagination. They also each created a personalized fabric blindfold using paint, stickers, and drawings that represents their individual story and where they came from.
During the final presentation, each person had a chance to speak to the audience and “tell their story” using the art on their blindfold as a guide and visual representation. The final production also included dancing and an Indigenous drumming circle.
Listen to a full story conducted by CBC Radio about the workshop here.
The Regina Open Door Society would like to thank SaskCulture for helping to make this program happen!
