WEBEQUIE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 26, 2012) -
Editors Note: There are four photos associated with this press release.
This Saturday, October 27th, the remote fly-in-only Aboriginal community of Webequie FN will gather for a special feast to celebrate the accomplishments of their youth whose original song will echo in the ears of their families, friends and elders as they sing, dance and show off their hand-made moccasin fashions.
The youth are part of DAREarts First Roots (Nee-tum-ochi-bek), arts-based education program for youth, facilitated by DAREarts artist-teachers, in partnership with the community's artists and teachers. Where school absenteeism is an issue, the program has proven highly effective. In fact, the youth attending the DAREarts First Roots program have asked for their classroom/studio to be kept open until 10 pm at night to work!
Research shows that school absenteeism is a problem in Aboriginal communities as an estimated 50% of Aboriginal youth will drop out or be pushed out of high schools, resulting in diminished literacy and employment as well as increased poverty in future generations1. The DAREarts First Roots program helps to address this issue with an exceptional 80% attendance rate. Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie FN explains, "We have our fair share of social problems here but the DAREarts program really seems to work with our students." He continues, "The fact that it is arts-based means it is easy for our kids to adapt to and be good at, and so they want to come to school as a result."
Mary Gardiner, the School Principal of the Simon Jacob Memorial Education Centre for the 180 Kindergarten to Grade Ten students in Webequie adds, "DAREarts First Roots program gets better each year (if that's possible) as students and the community get to know the DAREarts crew and their dedication and commitment to the youth."
The DAREarts First Roots Program is part of DAREarts' national initiative to give youth challenged by life circumstances the confidence, courage and leadership skills to resist negative peer pressure so they can lead positive change in their lives and in their communities. In urban centres, including Toronto and Vancouver, inner-city youth are bused to renowned arts institutions and learn arts and vital life skills from arts professionals. Due to the remoteness of Aboriginal communities, the DAREarts team flies into the communities for one to three week-long periods to work alongside Aboriginal artists and elders. In addition to Webequie, ON, the First Roots program has also been in Marten Falls FN, (Ogoki Post) ON, Sioux Lookout, ON, Attawapiskat FN, ON, and Indian Brook FN, Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. DAREarts is currently looking for funding to expand the program to other communities who have asked to participate.
Marilyn Field, President and Founder of DAREarts says, "The personal growth and success that youth experience as a result of participating in DAREarts is nothing short of exceptional." She continues, "Each time we come back to Webequie, we see how the youth have benefitted from the program by gaining the courage to make positive life choices and then influencing younger children, parents and other members of the community to do the same. We are so proud of them."
This program is funded in part by CIBC Children's Foundation and by the Ontario Government through the Ontario Arts Council and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
For more information or to arrange a telephone interview with DAREarts First Roots teachers and youth, please contact Marilyn Field at 888-540-arts [2787].
1 Cardinal, J. C. (2004). First Nations in Alberta, a focus on health service use. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Health & Wellness.
To view the photos associated with this release, please visit the following links:
Image 1: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20121026-DAREimage1LG.jpg
Image 2: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20121026-DAREimage2LG.jpg
Image 3: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20121026-DAREimage3LG.jpg
Image 4: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20121026-DAREimage4LG.jpg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20121026-DAREimage1SM.jpg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20121026-DAREimage2SM.jpg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20121026-DAREimage3SM.jpg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20121026-DAREimage4SM.jpg
Contact Information:
with DAREarts First Roots teachers and youth:
Marilyn Field
888-540-arts (2787)
