On June 22, 2017, the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) successfully piloted, “A Warrior’s Journey: Then & Now”. Over 150 guests were able to experience traditional food, dance and artwork, through a reinterpreted, contemporary lens.
Six Aboriginal youth models were centre stage, retelling a story of their Elder, through body paint that reflect how our ancestry is part of who we are as Aboriginal people. Audience members had positive feedback for USAY, one saying, “This is the most powerful piece of Aboriginal artwork I have ever experienced” and another saying, “It makes a difference when you see the eyes of the Aboriginal youth that are impacted by this story.”
USAY feels the project was a huge success and hopes that many others can learn from the art installation, accompanying mini-documentaries, and the overall experience.
Thank you to Jesse Gouchey our featured artist who we could not have done without and of course to the youth models:
ORIGIN – ANDREW CLEARSKY
TAKEN – JORDAN NELSON AND JAKOB SWIDZINSKI (LEFT TO RIGHT)
LOST – JARED NELSON
REBIRTH – CHAZ PRAIRIE CHICKEN
WARRIOR – RANDY PARSONS
And a huge thank you to our funders and sponsors.