Roughly 150 Indigenous youth took part in a drum circle and various workshops to come together and learn history and life lessons from one another. (submitted/Ruby Barclay)

By Spencer Sterritt

coming together

Youth come together to learn Indigenous culture and share histories

Nov 7, 2019 | 9:42 AM

NANAIMO — A day spent making friends and steeping themselves in culture is hoped to help foster a community focused on reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Roughly 150 youth took part in a Youth Leading Reconciliation event at Beban Park Social Centre on Thursday, Nov. 7. It’s an annual event hosted by the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre and Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island.

The day started with a drum circle before groups bonded in cultural workshops and activities throughout the day.

Emcee and youth mentor Cadence Manson said it was a rewarding experience to see so many stories being shared.

“When a community comes together, it helps so much when there are other people who have experienced the same things you have and learning more about what happened years ago. Indigenous youth now a days have all experienced trauma at some point in their life.”

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Manson said in his work as a youth mentor he’s seen Indigenous youth suffer from not having access to activities and experiences many take for granted.

“Most of the Indigenous youth come from poverty. It’s very rare that someone has a decent amount of money that can make sure they’re always fed, have tutors, all the stuff you need to succeed.”

This was Carlin Charleson’s second year at a Youth Leading Reconciliation event.

He said it’s helped him come into his own and he’s excited to see the same happen to other youth, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

“I didn’t use to do culture that much, but now that I’m doing it I’m feeling a lot better. I’m singing a lot more. My voice used to be very quiet but now it’s gotten a lot stronger.”

Charleson figured an even bigger building would be needed next year as the number of participants continues to grow.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit