Community members are invited to experience “powerful narratives” and artistic expressions of young Indigenous photographers.
PhotoVoice, presented by the Kw’umut Lelum Foundation and Vancouver Island Regional Library, is currently on exhibit at the Harbourfront Library.
The exhibit highlights visual stories of the young Indigenous participants in Tribal Journeys and outrigger canoe racing and is intended to invite viewers into a dialogue about the journey of reconciliation and cultural celebration. The release said the photos capture personal moments of joy, challenge, community and triumph.
“The PhotoVoice project challenged Indigenous youths to explore the concepts of culture and identity through the lens of a camera…” said Sharon Hobenshield, Kw’umut Lelum Foundation executive director, in the release. “It is an initiative designed to empower Indigenous youths by giving them the tools to capture and share their cultural experiences through photography.”
Timara White, a paddler and one of the program’s participants, said it was a fun way for the youths to share each other’s experiences.
“I’m excited to see everyone’s photos on display,” she said. “They’re all beautiful photos that show our culture, our canoe paddling, and our journeys.”
VIRL director of public services and planning Eileen Gillette said the library is honoured to support and amplify the voices of Indigenous youths. The exhibit is on display until June 28 during library opening hours and is being hosted in alignment with National Indigenous History Month. The project was supported by Save the Children Canada’s National Reconciliation Program.
From June 21-28, select works from the exhibit will be sold in an online auction raising money for development of a ‘Snuw’uy’ulh for Success’ initiative to foster educational and developmental opportunities for Indigenous youths.
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