First Directions: Reclaiming Our Bodies 2018

This event is located on the traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Tsleil-Waututh.

As Indigenous youth we are starting, once again, to talk about issues that affect our people so that we can share information with our friends and relatives about taking care of our bodies. With colonization and residential schools, a lot of our ancestral ways of taking care of ourselves were lost—but we’re determined to empower young Indigenous leaders to reclaim our bodies and teachings. 

So, now you might be asking yourself what does reclaiming our bodies even mean?

Reclaiming our bodies looks like a lot of things, some we may have not even thought about before now:

• Learning about our bodies, free of shame
• Considering the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical aspects of taking care of our bodies and sexuality
• Being comfortable with who we are
• Having the information and tools to make decisions that are right for us
• The right to access birth control that suits our needs and lifestyles
• And so much more!

This training will include:

• A trip to our training site, which is a retreat located in Langley
• Learning about how colonization has affected our health—and what we can do about it
• Information about living with HIV and Hepatitis C, treatment, testing and prevention
• Video-making with Reel Youth
• And other fun activities!

To join us, submit an application by February 15th, 2018. 

Steps to apply:

1. Find an adult community sponsor such as a nurse, teacher, Around the Kitchen Table (ATKT) graduate or community health representative (this is intended to help support you to share the information you learn at the workshop when you get back home).
2. Like our Yúusnewas and YouthCO Facebook pages 
3. Fill out the application form to the best of your ability and get your sponsor to help you if you need it.
4. We will contact selected participants with more details on travel and accommodations 

 Deadline for applications: February 15th, 2018