Produced by Trevor Solway
Canada Bridges’ Aboriginal Youth Explosion is an empowering event, which showcases cultural dancing, singing and storytelling. The event hosted at Mount Royal University on April 12, 2014, is designed to put the youth in the role of teacher. As an Aboriginal youth, I’ve been to many similar events. This event was unique because the youth are the ones inspiring and sharing their stories. It made me realize that youth have tons of wisdom regardless of age and have a story to tell. And storytelling was heavily emphasized. The host Jennifer Kohlhammer said in the introduction that sharing a story can be healing for not only the speaker but for the listener as well. Additionally, the energy of the event was very positive. The youth speaking were very supportive of each other and stayed at the event from start to finish. I heard another participant say that “the greatest investment you can make is into aboriginal youth,” and I strongly believe this. When he said investment, he didn’t mean a money investment, but an investment in time and belief.