IMPORTANT : Registration is done via an online form, and selected candidates will be contacted at the end of November. A teacher or a school counselor must fill the form with the youth.
The New Pathways Foundation is proud to announce the details of the first BECOME Artistic Camp, a creative gathering in nature aimed at young Indigenous artists in Quebec. Scheduled for December 9 to 14, 2024, this camp, featuring host, commentator and content creator Xavier Watso, an Abenaki from Odanak, seeks to foster participants’ cultural and identity pride by connecting them with inspiring artists. Funded by Canadian Heritage, this project offers young people a unique opportunity to come together in nature, to be inspired and to create, while exploring their identity.
“The BECOME Camp is more than just a combination of two of our initiatives, the camps and the BECOME initiative. It continues our learnings, expertise, and attentive listening to the needs of young people. Identity pride will be at the heart of artistic projects, with the hope that participants will leave proud of their heritage, their culture, but most importantly, of themselves,” says Marie-Claude Cleary, Executive Director of the New Pathways Foundation and a member of the Mashteuiatsh Ilnu Nation.
The BECOME Artistic Camp: A Unique Experience for a Dozen Young People
The BECOME Camp will take place in nature at Camp Papillon in Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, located by a lake and surrounded by forest. Participants aged 13 to 17 will have the opportunity to experience an immersive environment, with art workshops, moments of reflection, and exchanges on identity pride, along with cultural and spiritual activities.
Among the proposed activities, young people will have the opportunity to connect culturally with Aroussen. Additionally, host and activist Xavier Watso is the spokesperson for this first camp, a powerful experience during which he will share with the youth.
“I look forward to sharing discussions with these young people, passionate and inspired by the arts. These are moments of exploration where everyone can express themselves and assert themselves,” says Xavier Watso.
Developing Identity Pride
Identity pride is at the heart of this Camp project, as it plays a crucial role in helping Indigenous youth assert their identity, their culture, their reality and their challenge. Studies show that by celebrating their culture, young people develop a strong sense of belonging to their community, which strengthens their self-esteem and confidence.
Youth interested in participating in the BECOME Artistic Camp must be between 13 and 17 years old and members of a First Nation. They must be recommended by a teacher or school counselor.
Acknowledgments
This project was made possible thanks to the Government of Canada.
