Seven volunteers are calling Nanaimo home for the next ten weeks as part of a volunteer program with a strong focus on First Nations studies. (Dirk Heydemann/Katimavik)

By Alex Rawnsley

EAGER VOLUNTEERS

Canadian youth ready for ‘uncomfortable conversations’ on racism, privilege during volunteer stint in Nanaimo

Jan 17, 2021 | 7:05 AM

NANAIMO — Seven youth from across the country descended on Nanaimo recently ahead of a two and a half month volunteer mission in the city.

Through the parent organization Katimavik, the youth from as far east as Quebec and north as the Yukon will embed and work with various local non-profit organizations.

Caleb McIntyre, project leader in Nanaimo, said at the core of their stay is a strong partnership with Snuneymuxw First Nation and lessons on truth and reconciliation.

“They’re prepared for some uncomfortable conversations…recognizing their privilege and their responsibility as young Canadians to do something about it,” McIntyre said. “Being able to come out here to Nanaimo where Coast Salish culture is very much still alive can be very inspiring.”

McIntyre added confronting these issues head on allows the youth to return to their own communities, re-learn the true history of their area and build better relationships with First Nations moving forward.

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Prior groups volunteered extensively with Growing Opportunities Farm Community Coop., Nanaimo Foodshare and the Salvation Army.

The organization also worked on restoring the Cat Stream in south Nanaimo, removing garbage, clearing debris and planting native species of plant to drive off more invasive ones.

In addition to the base relationship with local First Nations, each group sets its own goals and areas to focus on while in a community.

“Some are focused on environmental issues, some are very focused on social justice issues, some are concerned about health and they bring these passions and interests into the program and work together to build relationships in the community they need to do good work.”

The experience of going to an unfamiliar community can be a daunting one.

Many of the participants are living away from home for the first time. McIntyre said being thrust into a group-living situation where they must cook their own meals from scratch, clean and live with strangers in jarring.

“To get outside of their bubble, their shell from wherever they grew up and their own family dynamic and be exposed to a whole new way of living life.”

Similar programs are being run concurrently in five other cities including Moncton, Quebec, Peterbourough, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley

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