DisPLACEment is a media arts production and outreach program that brings Indigenous, migrant + refugee youth together to make + share short videos that challenge biases, creatively explore changing ideas of ‘home’ and ‘belonging’, and shine light on the systems behind stories of displacement. Using a combination of media, storytelling, creative facilitation and interactive activities, these peer-facilitated workshops have been designed to foster intercultural understanding, inspire crucial and timely conversations about decolonization, and help enhance motivation for change. Last fall, 21 migrant and Indigenous youth gathered on Galiano Island for the first of 3 intensive chapters in media making. While working with the guidance of community-based film mentors, the youth–most of whom had NO filmmaking experience–produced 8 powerful films about displacement, decolonization, and discrimination. The facilitation team—make up of Indigenous and Newcomer youth– then crafted workshops that highlight the issues each of the videos addresses, and are current bringing these films and workshops to schools across the Lower Mainland. The energy, momentum and connections forged during this program has spawned many friendships, collaborations, and programming spin-off. Testimonials “Not only was the workshop interactive and engaging, it lit a fire under my students for days. We feel really lucky to have been able to create a space for connection and story-telling. It was inspiring for the students … to see how people who have shared similar or challenging experiences are empowered through social justice work and art. I would strongly recommend this workshop to other teachers and schools. ” Testimonials “I enjoyed learning about concepts like privilege, identity and empathy from young people who have faced many challenges.” Testimonials “We were made to feel supported and heard as we moved through the workshop, and I left feeling activated and better informed thanks to our encouraging facilitators who brought immense knowledge and compassion to the space.” Testimonials “The youth facilitators were humble yet skilled, as well as passionate about the subject matter. They did a great job of engaging the participants and encouraging reflection. It was also heartening to see the super important but rarely addressed theme of intersections between migrant and indigenous experiences being taken up in meaningful and thought provoking ways.” Testimonials “It was a meaningful day where 30 Lush staff were lucky enough to participate in one of AMES workshops! They facilitated critical conversations about their videos UPROOTED and What is home? We got to witness the power of personal storytelling!” Help ensure that emerging change-makers from the margins are media savvy, and out front! DisPLACEment
Bringing Indigenous, Migrant & Refugee Youth together
About DisPLACEment Workshops
Why DisPLACEment?
Monique Comeau
Workshop Participant
Kat
Workshop Participant
Lily Han
Pacific Community Resources Society
Diana Alvarez
Lush
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