Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Aboriginal Youth Tell Their Stories With Photographs

Photostories by Aboriginal Youth:  In Ontario, almost half of Aboriginal people – First Nation, Métis and Inuit – are less than 25 years old. They live on reserves and in towns and cities across the province. This photography project gives Aboriginal youth a voice. Seven Aboriginal communities in Ontario. More than fifty Aboriginal young people. Sharing stories through their own eyes. http://www.inmyowneyes.ca/


June 21, 2011 10:05 AM

McGuinty Government Helping Better Understanding For Aboriginal Youth

More than 50 Aboriginal youth are showcasing their images and stories in an online gallery.

With support from the province and Planet IndigenUs, professional Aboriginal photographers visited seven communities to mentor youth in Grades 6 to 8, teaching them about photography and how to use it to tell a story. Those images are part of a gallery "In My Own Eyes" and are now available to view online.

The gallery of photos is launched on National Aboriginal Day, a day that recognizes the important contributions that Aboriginal people, their cultures and traditions have made, and continue to make, to Ontario and Canada.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • The communities that participated in this project include: M'Chigeeng First Nation, Ojibways of Onigaming, Moose Cree First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation. Urban Aboriginal youth in the cities of Fort Frances, Toronto and North Bay also participated.
  • Mentors were assisted on-reserve by a member of the Chiefs of Ontario's Young Peoples Council, and in urban settings by a member of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres Youth Council.
  • 43 percent of Aboriginal people - First Nation, Inuit and Métis - in Ontario are less than 25 years old.
  • Planet IndigenUs is a major international cultural initiative of Toronto's Harbourfront Centre in partnership with the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford.

CONTACTS

  • Scott Cavan
    Minister's Office
    416-314-7395
  • Christy Arnold
    Communications
    416-314-9455
  • Bruce Hutchinson
    Harbourfront Centre
    416-973-4342