Some highlights from this summer program include: 

Virtual Paint Class with Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter is a 2-Spirit Ojibwe painter, graphic designer, and entrepreneur from Red Lake, ON. In 2011, he made the move to Toronto to pursue a career in the visual arts. He is making a name for himself in the corporate world through artistic and graphic collaborations with RBC and BMO Banks, Ernst & Young, TSN, and most recently the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.  

PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN… – The fundamentals of painting / techniques in a fun & positive environment. – The importance of mental health & healing through the arts. – The spiritual significance / history of the Woodland Art form in Indigenous communities. – Basic cultural competency understanding & artistic confidence. 

Virtual Dance Class with Angela Miracle Gladue

Angela is a dancer, choreographer, educator, and artist from Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta – Treaty 6 territory) and is a member of Frog Lake First Nation. She has over 15 years of professional dance experience as an entertainer and has taught in countless schools, Indigenous communities, youth centres and conferences throughout North America since 2004. 

PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN… about Angela Gladue’s fantastic career in dance, traditional and hip hop styles, followed by an interactive dance workshop in Hip-Hop

Speaking about art with Blake Angeconebmbe

Blake Angeconeb is an Anishinaabe woodlands artist who hails from Treaty 3 territory. Blake’s primary practice is blending the school of woodlands art with pop culture references. 

PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN…about Blake’s self-taught career as an artist. Blake is still very new to being in this field full time, but has had a variety experiences in the art world he will share. From being the first Woodland artist to do a NFT drop, to painting his unique style of pop culture meets Woodland. Blake will be mainly focusing on painting on canvas because it’s the most rewarding to him as an artist. Blake believes youth need to know they actually can go ahead and try non-conventional careers. He will be highlighting all the different routes people can take in art, whether it be designing clothing, painting, digital work, graphic design and so on….  

Using your career in communications to amplify Indigenous voices with Tanya Talaga  

Tanya Talaga is Ojibwe with roots in Fort William First Nation in Ontario, Canada. She worked as a journalist at the Toronto Star for more than twenty years, and has been nominated five times for the Michener Award in public service journalism. Tanya is the President and CEO of Makwa Creative, a production company focused on Indigenous storytelling. 

Tanya is the acclaimed author of Seven Fallen Feathers, which was the winner of the RBC Taylor Prize, the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing, and First Nation Communities Read: Young Adult/Adult. 

PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN…. about Tanya’s professional career as a writer and how she is using her platform to amplify Indigenous voices. 

Competency Training with Michael Etherington

Michael Etherington is an Indigenous Relations Consultant with career highlights that include: TEDx Talk Speaker, appearing in the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, CBC,  CTV Breakfast Television, TVO, BBC Scotland, Maori TV and Season 1 feature interview in APTNS TV show Future History.  

PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN…. The training provided to the Youth Ambassadors will focus on building upon the necessary skills, knowledge, attitude and values focusing on intercultural competency, cross cultural communication and meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples. It is aim is to improve and provide learners with the appropriate knowledge and relevant information to continuing efforts of reconciliation for both personal and professional development. 

Bangin’ Bannock – running a small business & the history of bannock 

Bangin’ Bannock owner’s Destiny and Kelsey, will be talking how they started Bangin’ Bannock, their understanding of the origins of Bannock to Indigenous peoples and they may even offer Youth Ambassador’s an opportuntiy to make their own unique Bannock!   

Destiny – I have personally struggled throughout my childhood and adolescent years. I grew up in an urban setting away from my traditional territory and struggled to find my Indigenous identity. However, I have overcome many barriers throughout my life, and I am proud that I aspire to reconnect to my Indigenous culture as an adult. I was a high school dropout but have gone back to school recently, and I am working on my Bachelor of Social Work. Although, recently, I have taken a step back from my studies to care for my young children. And now I have embarked on my entrepreneurial journey. At the beginning of this year, I joined in partnership to develop and launch our business Bangin’ Bannock. A focus for us is on Indigenizing business through building community relations and giving back to our community. We hope our stories encourage others to try new adventures. And always remember that learning continues for a lifetime and each journey will have new teachings and learning. 

Kelsey – Hadih! My name is Kelsey. Although I’m a mix, both my indigenous father and non-indigenous mother raised me to be aware and proud of my heritage. I’ve personally struggled through my life with having a hard time feeling like I belong. I struggle with the common “I’m not indigenous enough” fear and guilt that a lot of mixed raced individuals seem to face. Because of this I’m extremely passionate about teaching the next generation, creating connections, and hopefully helping to create a new world of acceptance, understanding, and love. I grew up on Vancouver island and hold the coast very close to my heart. Out of high school I went to school for Education Assistance, focusing primarily on children within the autism spectrum. During my schooling I started travelling the world and found my true passions through travel. Because of COVID, My world travelling was put on hold- and at the beginning of this year i joined in partnership to develop and launch our Bangin’ bannock business! Through this business I dream of creating connection, community, and conversation. We dream of a decolonized business model, of being able to give back to the community, and of a healthier tomorrow. My personal learning journey through this has been immense, and I hope that we can inspire others to jump for their dreams, to take chances, and to keep learning.