Calling immigrant youth

Looking for a fun, creative and meaningful project to have your kids involved in this summer?  KCR- Community Resources and COLIP (Central Okanagan Local Immigration Partnership) is calling immigrant youths, aged 7-13, to join storyteller Randy Jernidier for a unique workshop and experience this August that will have them reflect on their experiences as newcomers to the region.  Their stories of overcoming, hope and love will be woven together to create a new, collective narrative to be shared with the community during Culture Days in September.

The project, funded by the Province of BC through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s Multicultural Grant, is being presented by COLIP as part of its ongoing mandate to eradicate racism, make our community more welcoming and inclusive and to showcase the diversity in our region.

“Storytelling is one of our oldest traditions in all cultures,” says COLIP Coordinator Rawle James. “It is a unique way for people to develop an understanding, respect and appreciation for other cultures and it can promote a positive attitude to people from different lands, races and religions. “

During each session, Randy Jernidier will tell a story that highlights themes of immigration and cultural diversity, before working with the youth to have them share their own stories in a creative and lyrical style.  The youth’s experiences and ideas will be incorporated into a new collective tale that will reflect the need for inclusion and equity for all.  

Additionally, videographer Trophy Ewila, will be filming the workshops to document the process and creation of the new tale. Both the collective story and the documentary will be unveiled as part of the Culture Days on September 29, 2018 at the Okanagan Heritage Museum, who are generously donating the space for this event.

“I know this project will result in a positive and rewarding experience for the youth involved,” adds James.  “Having worked with Randy and his performance troupe Kinfolk on a number of projects, I know him to be a gifted storyteller that connects incredibly with youth. And as an immigrant himself, he knows all too well some of the issues facing newcomers. We expect this to be a powerful and moving exercise that will also positively impact the community at large and build empathy and understanding."

For more information or register for the workshop, please contact Dorothee Birker at 250-860-4911 or [email protected]   Youth may participate in all of the sessions, or at minimum two. Parents may drop off their children and snacks will be provided during each session. 

In Brief:

What:               Let’s Tell A Story

Presented by KCR - Community Resources and COLIP (Central Okanagan Local Immigration Partnership)

KCR- Community Resources and COLIP (Central Okanagan Local Immigration Partnership) are inviting newcomer and immigrant youth to participate in a storytelling workshop to share their own stories and help to create a new collective narrative to be shared with the community.   Storytelling Workshops take place in August at KCR Community Resources, with a public presentation at Okanagan Heritage Museum during Culture Days on September 29, 2018.

When:              Series of Five Workshops - August 13, 15, 20, 24 & 27 (Participants are invited to attend all five sessions, and at minimum will attend two)

 Who:                Newcomer and Immigrant Youth (aged 7-13)

 Time:               9:00 am – 11:30 am.  Snacks provided.

Where:             KCR Community Resources (620 Leon Avenue, Downtown Kelowna)

Cost:                Free                                                                

Info:                 [email protected]   P: 250-860-4911