Raven Institute

Thank you to @Michellecassyex for capturing the reflections of #RavenSPEAKemerge learners in this graphic recording! Check out more of Michelle's work here: cassyexconsulting.com 6/6

It is representation and story from the youngest and fastest growing demographic all across these lands, who are rising up! And folks, there is much more to come! All RavenSPEAK TALKS are now available to watch! ravenspeak.ca/talks 5/6

We continue to celebrate the emergence of 11 Indigenous youth, from all four directions, who spent 5 months together in a virtual learning circle all across these lands, during one global pandemic that continued to set daily unprecedented times. 1/6 #RavenSPEAKemergence

“Coming out of survival mode, I knew it was time to step into my true self & live for myself." Leo takes us on a journey from pre-teen to young adult, a journey filled with familial complexity, sacrifice, intergenerational realities, loss & transformation. vimeo.com/554964922

“My son will never question his identity or where he comes from. This promise I share & forever keep. It begins with us & continues with them.” In, A New Legacy, Robyn Soulier-Ritchot’s emergence ignites a bright path as a resilient Cree woman & new Mom. vimeo.com/554966567

“Ginjik (language) is a gift that many do not have the opportunity to receive. My dream is to see my language flourish again in my lifetime.” In, Gwiizhii (Knowledge) @SpeakGwichin emergence is a gift rich in the wisdom & teachings of the Gwich’in people. vimeo.com/554971226

“Being an Afro-Indigenous person on the prairies is complexity beyond measure, it's a world designed to suppress & oppress my every being.” In Two Worlds, the emergence of Sentilla Bubb is full of forgiveness, love & a reminder to never give up on oneself. vimeo.com/554969279

"The government's ignorance & disgusting behaviour left many Indigenous families and children broken. Left them with generational trauma, residential school syndrome.” In âstepayiw (he/she is healed) Carey Wahobin’s voice emerges fuelled with empowerment. vimeo.com/554949685

“How you choose to identify will be how you are viewed, whether people will accept you, speak to you, hire you or even harm you.” In I Know You Are But What Am I, Ally Freeman embraces all her intersecting identities to emerge into her whole complete self. vimeo.com/554967171

“With truth there is action to be taken in understanding the traumas, resilience & beauty of the younger generation actively working through all that has happened.” In Believe in Beauty @RickyLeeWatts' emergence to heal beyond pain is an inspiration! vimeo.com/554965773

“An interesting thing about safe places, we don’t know how important they are until we need them.” In Finding Place in Displacement, we feel the spirit and sacred essence of Tressa Beaulieu’s safe space galloping beside her emergence! vimeo.com/554970132

“The reason I stay happy is because I am still here and that is only because of our Ancestors.” In From the Concrete Jungle to the Ancestral Mountains we witness the vibrant emergence of Dakota Williams who infuses joy into all spaces and places! vimeo.com/554942442

“I felt my identity was taken away by oppression, racism & complete omission of my existence.” In Re-Rooted, we hear the powerful emergence of Lori Abraham who journeyed through healing to reconnect, reclaim and reroot herself as a proud Anishinaabe Kwe! vimeo.com/554967759

“To the girl with the long brown hair, are you Native enough?” In Coming Home, Courtney Copoc-Hopkins emerges to speak truth in honour of all the stories never heard. Sharing her truth to let her ancestors know that “intergenerational trauma ends with me.” vimeo.com/554940113

In the next while, we will be sharing the stories of the RavenSPEAK emerge cohort, each unique, each arriving in its own time and in its own way- because there is no one way to honour our past and co-create our future. 3/3

It is time to listen to the stories that have been and are being told by the people, the land + all our relations for generations. Our past, present and future are: unearthing, healing, grieving ,connecting, processing, reliving, listening, learning, loving and reimagining. 2/3

One month ago, we gathered virtually all across these lands to witness the intergenerational stories of 11 young Indigenous leaders from all four directions. Stories of truth & healing. Stories of hurt & hope. Stories of past & possibility. Stories of beauty & legacy. 1/3