Behind the Pandemic in Aboriginal Communities - Interagency ...

Building Community CapacityEveryone was excited about the theatre company coming to the community. It was an Aboriginaltheatre company and they had Aboriginal actors, designers, directors, and producers and all ofthem were coming to hang out with the kids. Some of the kids had even seen them on TV!Three kids from the community were chosen to continue working with the theatre company.They were told that if they kept their marks up this year, they could go on tour with the companynext year. All year long kids talked about how much fun they had with the theatre company andhow they couldn’t wait to work with them again.One of the teachers at school started a drama club. So many kids showed up that he had to createtwo drama clubs. They decided to interview their Elders and collect stories to write a playabout the history of their community. The Elders were pleased to be asked to share their storieswith the kids. The leaders in the community were so encouraged that they decided to give themsome money to help with the production of the play.Youth Role ModelsYour community health centre and the school have partnered to develop a project on healthysexuality that combines traditional teachings with western practices . The arts-based programteaches youth about healthy relationships, sexual and reproductive rights, and creative ways toreach other youth, among other things. They are engaged and passionate about their work andare excited to be recognized as mentors in their communities. Many of these youth are also activein cultural activities like pow-wow dancing and drumming. They have found many ways todraw on these cultural activities as well as traditional teachings to empower their peers to makechanges in their lives.Culture and ResiliencyThe health centre in the city has a very busy schedule of visiting Elders and traditional healers.One Elder has come to town specifically to give a name to a new baby. This baby is the daughterof a woman who received her spirit name from this Elder, as did her mother. Even though thisfamily has lived in the city for over two generations, it is very important for them to continue topractise their traditional ways, and receiving a name is an important ceremony and celebration.Next year, when the Elder comes through town again, the baby will have her walking out ceremony.Many of the extended family will attend the ceremony; some will even travel from out of townto support the family with a feast and ceremonies.53