88 # R I S I N G Y O U T H C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T
In a community of approximately
580 members, predominantly
Native in the Tlicho region of
the Dogrib People, the Mezi
Community School acts as a
hub for learning, community
gatherings, and the preservation
of traditional knowledge.
#RisingYouth grantee Reanna
Smith and her fellow student
council representatives created
a recording studio in their
school to help preserve their
community's traditional songs
while also creating new ones.
Using their spare Arts period,
Reanna and other students at
the school planned, organized,
and set up the recording
studio. They researched all that
needs to go into a basic studio,
purchased the equipment, and
read through all operation and
instruction manuals to prepare
the equipment for use. The
recording studio has become a
place where youth can spend time
expressing themselves through
music, fusing their traditions with
contemporary musical styles.
" Because we are isolated
geographically from main
city centres, it's important
for our school to offer
as many opportunities
for collaboration,
spending time together,
and creating something
lasting to improve
student confidence."
REANNA SMITH
A Room of Our Own Songs
Reanna Smith | $1,500
Whati, Northwest Territories
Whati is located on Tlicho (Dene) territory
and is part of the Tlicho Agreement.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.WHOSE.LAND
NORTHWEST
TERRITORIES
