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Aboriginal Youth make a peace offering in response to racist graffitiby Mike Sheehan This image was inspired by a discussion that took place August 23rd 2006 at the Victoria Native Friendship Center. A group of 27 Aboriginal youth 13-18 years old took part in 'Expressions: An Urban Art and Leadership Summer Camp for Aboriginal and Metis youth'. This 5 day program was created by Beatboard in partnership with Surrounded by Cedar. On the 21st the youth arrived at the VNFC to begin the program to find graffiti around the back depicting Nazi symbols and words including "white power black power". On the third day we took the morning as a whole group to discuss what feelings and thoughts came up as a result of these symbols and words on the wall. Someone said they felt "frustrated". Someone said they were "used to it". Other words that came up were anger, confusion, don't care, and embarrassed. The group wanted to paint over the graffiti. We broke into small groups and brainstormed what messages we waned to send out with our image. Groups took turns presenting their ideas. This process highlighted the groups want to be seen beyond labels, to be seen as First Nations people with cultural pride and to reach out in response to the racist graffiti with an offering showing respect and appreciation for all cultures. Medicine Wheel teachings have long been a traditional practice of some North American First Nations cultures. The four colours of the medicine wheel, yellow, red, black and white represent the worlds peoples. In the mural the different colour of hands over the different colours of the medicine wheel represent many cultures of people living together with equal power. Seeing and hearing and embracing each others gifts keeps us whole. Bradley Dick was the creative director and cultural director for this mural. His design was inspired by our morning discussions and activities. Through his consultations with the youth an image was created that represents their collective message. Everyone loved the idea including the VNFC. The mural painting was facilitated by Bradley Dick and Lisa George. Traditional teachings and traditional songs complimented the physical painting of this image. Bradley Dick has given permission to UNAC (The United Nations Association in Canada) through my involvement with the YTCT (Youth of Today City of Tomorrow) project to reproduce this image as another public mural if we wish. It has been a great honour to work with Bradley and Lisa of Surrounded by Cedar as well as the staff of the Victoria Native Friendship Center. Much gratitude and respect to the youth who took part in the mural and the whole camp. There is a great need for Indigenous voice all around the world. This group of youth's creative, compassionate and articulate response to a very culturally ignorant act gives me hope for a future where people value difference. This mural is the positive power of Aboriginal youth today in action. September 10th 2006
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