Social change and youth power: A weekend workshop in HlGaagilda

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Former CHN Hlɢ̲aagilda rep, current youth worker and hip-hop enthusiast, Guud Yuwans talking about how rap music can be a tool to advance social justice.

Submitted by Lotta Koenig & Julia Weder

The January 25 workshop and training event called, “Youth Leading Change” was hosted at the Youth Center in HlGaagilda but it was inspired by both the youth climate groups on Haida Gwaii. In the north, the group Damaan Tlagee Protecting the Land led by K’iijuuhlaas Nathaniel White has been making waves towards environmental justice, and in the south, the “Green Leaders” led by Greta Romas has been organizing powerful and unifying events.

Youth Leading Change was organized and run by Skidegate Youth Centre staff Julia Weder and Guud Yuwans William “Willie” Russ, along with Dylan Cohen, a young Métis community organizer who was visiting the Islands. They shared their knowledge on organizing for social change and coordinated group activities so all the youth could interact, build new skills and spend time together. During the workshop, youth learned many useful tips to use when organizing important events.

The workshop started  at 11 AM with presentations, energizers, case studies of past successful campaigns, and group activities. Participants explored the difference between tactics and strategy and discussed the power that youth have to change the world. Queen B’s catered a healthy lunch, and there were many snacks provided throughout the day. The agenda ended at 5 PM but the gathering continued with everyone hanging out, playing games, and making art together.

“That weekend really helped increase my confidence as a change-maker,” said youth participant Sita Sly-Hooton. “It helped me understand social change more and taught me new skills. I think my favourite part of that weekend would have to be the team activities, getting to know everyone a little better and working as a team to help each other out.”

“That weekend really helped increase my confidence as a change-maker,” said youth participant Sita Sly-Hooton. “It helped me understand social change more and taught me new skills. I think my favourite part of that weekend would have to be the team activities, getting to know everyone a little better and working as a team to help each other out.”

Skidegate Health Centre staff Sue Gladstone join youth for ceremony to wrap up a community discussion on social change.

At the gathering, youth split up into groups and produced rap songs about climate change, corporate greed, and youth supporting each other in the fight for social justice. One group created an art piece: the letters L for language, M for music, and C representing culture — the letters were encased in a sun that represented clean energy. It was clear that art is a powerful tool to build relationships and spread a message.

A major take-away for youth was that people have succeeded in demanding justice in the past, and we can succeed again today. Participants discussed examples of inspiring actions and victories that the Haida Nation — and the wider community and the world — have achieved. Everyone buzzed with a renewed sense of motivation and hope. 

“A major take-away for youth was that people have succeeded in demanding justice in the past, and we can succeed again today. Participants discussed examples of inspiring actions and victories that the Haida Nation — and the wider community and the world — have achieved. Everyone buzzed with a renewed sense of motivation and hope.” 

The event was an important step to increasing Island unity and strategy for climate action. Future gatherings might include an environmentally-friendly youth assembly this spring and finding ways to teach the other kids on the Island what we learned.

In the spring, youth are committed to work together to plan more creative activities related to climate and social justice, such as all-Island coffeehouses for youth to share their words and talents, song-writing workshops, and an art show. We aim to have fun, build strong relationships, and make activism a bigger part of everyday life.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Hiit’agan.iina Kuuyas Naay Skidegate Youth Centre is hosting a PODCAST WORKSHOP March 23 – 27, 2020 during spring break. To register, email: julia.weder@skidegatehc.ca

Categories: Youth

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