Issue link: https://takingitglobal.uberflip.com/i/1477966
84 # 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 V O L . 2 B 'yauling Toni put together a moccasin-making workshop for inner-city youth in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan as a way to reconnect to their culture, while also learning about the history and impact of the residential school system in their communities. Taught by two Knowledge Keepers from Flying Dust First Nations, one of whom was a residential school survivor, the workshop provided youth ages 15-25 with access to the supplies, materials, and teachings to create moccasins. "There were 20 pairs of moccasins made, with each pair representing one of the known residential schools in Saskatchewan," explains B'yauling. "I researched and made pamphlets for each residential school and gave them out to every person, so they could learn where their moccasin pair was going. The 20 pairs will be delivered to their respective residential school locations." Held at Chokecherry Studios, a youth- centered non-profit in inner-city Saskatoon on Treaty 6 Territory, B'yauling's project taught not only the functioning skills of sewing and beading, but also provided a space to reflect on such an important part of history. "When speaking of the impact of this workshop, B'yauling shared, "One of the participants, who was a young Indigenous woman, came to me after and was almost in tears. She told me that her whole life she has felt her culture being oppressed. She was never given the opportunity to learn or practice her culture. She was overjoyed to be part of the event and motivated to learn, but saddened that she had never done any of these things before. To see someone so moved was, I think, the biggest success." Making Moccassins and Connecting to History B'yauling Toni ...She told me that her whole life she has felt her culture being oppressed. She was never given the opportunity to learn or practice her culture... An Instagram post made by B'yauling after the workshop! A special thank you to Chokecherry Studios for sharing the #RisingYouth grant opportunity with B'yauling to make this project possible.