The NWT’s health authority says it has collaborated with Invincible, an Indigenous arts-based research project, to highlight the first-hand experiences of Indigenous youth in care.
In a news release, the health authority said presenters at a Friday event in Yellowknife used graphic novels, poems, videos, art and journals to highlight their own experiences and emotions within the child and family services system.
The goal of the project, the health authority stated, is to inspire Indigenous children and youth in care and let them know they are not alone.
“Every child has the right to grow up free from abuse, neglect or harm, and it is important for youth in care to know that they are never alone,” said Kristy Jones, the health authority’s executive director of child, family and community wellness, in Friday’s news release.
“Whether you live in Yellowknife or a remote community, Child and Family Services offer support through local staff and regional offices so that families do not need to navigate these challenges on their own.”
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Invincible is based in Victoria, BC. The group’s trip to Yellowknife included a creative hands-on workshop with northern Indigenous youth in care.
“We have been gifted a great opportunity to share our stories in our own voices as Indigenous youth in care,” Invincible member t̓at̓uusinapšiił Emma John, or Emma Hubert, was quoted as saying.
“We do not often hear from Indigenous children and youth in care, and events like this help us learn alongside one another and share our spirits, stories and artwork.”
