Day One Society, a nonprofit organization located near Royal Inland Hospital in Canada, has received a $5,000 grant from BC Housing to launch a cultural art project aimed at Indigenous youth. The project will be implemented at the society’s new detox unit, which was unveiled in June. Day One Society plans to collaborate with people from Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc to create artwork that will adorn the detox unit, with the goal of providing a culturally safe and inviting space for Indigenous youth.
Siân Lewis, the executive director of Day One Society, highlighted the significance of partnering with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc to honor the Indigenous community and the land where their center operates. Indigenous communities have been disproportionately affected by substance use and the prevalence of toxic drugs. Through the medium of artwork, the society aims to create culturally safe spaces that support Indigenous youth and address the unique challenges they face.
Lewis emphasized that inclusivity is key, as the society serves a diverse group of individuals, including other cultural groups and the LGBTQ2+ community. The ultimate objective is to establish an environment that welcomes and supports everyone.
BC Housing, the funding organization, commended Day One Society’s successful grant application. Mary Gerges, the executive director of reconciliation and equity strategies at BC Housing, believes that this art project will serve as a reminder of the rich history and culture of the Secwépemc people, who have been stewards of the land since time immemorial.
The planning phase for the project is already underway. Day One Society intends to showcase a glass case filled with photographs, artifacts, art pieces, and stories that pay tribute to the unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site. Additionally, they plan to create a wall displaying the names of the 45 recipients of the Out of the Ashes Bursary, which provides educational support to young people in recovery.
In summary, Day One Society is set to embark on a meaningful cultural art project for Indigenous youth at their new detox unit. With the help of a $5,000 grant from BC Housing, the society aims to create a space that honors Indigenous communities, supports their unique challenges, and fosters a culturally safe and inclusive environment. Through artwork, they hope to raise awareness about the history and culture of the Secwépemc people, while paying tribute to the victims of the residential school system.
