Youth Mapping Project Summary

Project name: Youth Mapping Winnipeg: A Collaborative Cross-Cultural Learning Project 

An experiential learning opportunity promoting the culture and heritage of our Province and Indigenous history. 

Immigration Partnership Winnipeg (IPW) – Newcomer Ethnocultural Youth Council of Winnipeg engaged youth from diverse ethnocultural communities for an experiential learning opportunity promoting the culture and heritage of our Province and Indigenous history.  It was a ten-week project which run on Saturdays, from October 21st – December 9th and January 6th and 20th from 12 noon to 2:00 pm. 

Newcomers come into the country with little or no knowledge of Canadian history, therefore, the project engaged newcomer youth on a weekly basis for ten conservative weeks in learning about our heritage, exploring our community, Indigenous history, ancestry, culture, natural resources, and environmental issues while promoting the province’s rich and diverse heritage. 

The project strengthened our Youth Council and engaged both Immigrant/newcomer and Indigenous youth to work on a mapping project where they learn about the social realities and pay conscious attention about their environment. They then presented some of their reflections in drawing and mappings that demonstrated creativity, artistic skills and understanding of their environment. 

The project included free field trips to five historic sites, national parks, visit with the City Councillor for Daniel McIntyre area, Cindy Gilroy, visit with young entrepreneurs, and mapping of the Downtown of the City.  

The project was promoted by the Youth Council Members and youth from across the city were registered for the first week and subsequent weeks. The first week was the kickoff of the project which was held at the African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI) Cultural Centre.  

Elder and Knowledge Keeper from the Turtle Island Project was in attendance to open the  

project speaking on Indigenous history. Romola Vasantha Thumbadoo, Postdoctoral  

Researcher, Geography & Coordinator/CEO of Circle of All Nations was the Guest Speaker, who spoke on the importance of learning our province’s heritage, culture, Indigenous history and  

mapping our environment. Some of the newcomer youth’s parents accompanied the youth and  participated. 

The following eight weeks were designated for field trips and the last week was the celebration and closing event ceremony where the newcomer youth together with the Youth Council Members showcased their maps and learnings throughout the project through a video presentation. 

Different kinds of traditional foods from the different cultures were brought in to celebrate the end of the project. There were 64 people in attendance including Cindy Gilroy, Councillor for Daniel McIntyre area and her husband, Executive Director of Social Planning Council Winnipeg, Kate Kehler, Elder/Knowledge Keeper from the Turtle Island Project Elder Clayton, Grandma Sharon Marsden and staff from other Settlement organizations. Two of the newcomer youth shared their inspiring stories with regards to the project and what they have learned from the project.  

A video of all the field trips and the weekly activities was shown. The closing event ended with some remarks from the Co-Chair of the Youth Council.  Vote of thanks was given by the Project Manager of Immigration Partnership Winnipeg on behalf of the Newcomer Ethnocultural Youth Council who thanked the Heritage Grant Program – The Province of Manitoba. 

Summary of the ten weeks project: 

Week 1 

Kick off at the African Community of Manitoba (ACOMI) Cultural Centre, with Guest Speaker, Romola Vasantha Thumbadoo, Circle of All Nations and Clayton Sandy, Elder/Knowledge Keeper from the Turtle Island Project who shared on Indigenous cultural teaching. Youth Council Members spoke about the importance of the Council and why they joined.  

The ACOMI Cultural Centre provided all the materials and equipment that we used for presentation, hybrid, and all other materials. 

Week 2 

Newcomer youth attended a free breakfast session with the topic “Never Eat Alone”. We were engaged with business leaders and young entrepreneurs. We learned about the Daniel McIntyre, City of Winnipeg and heard from that area’s City Councillor, Cindy Gilroy. 

Week 3 

An informal presentation by five Youth Council members on their journey as new immigrants and some history on heritage issues and lessons, round table panel discussions followed by walking trip to downtown on Portage Ave.  Youth learned and explored shops and businesses on Portage Ave. the U of W, the Millennium Library, Canada Life Centre, Portage Place mall and the downtown YMCA. The Youth then map what they learn and discovered. 

Week 4 

Trip to the Treaty Commission Office, at The Forks (a historic site and meeting place) for Treaty Education and awareness, including history of First Nation people, their law, culture, and customs. We had one of the Speakers from the Speaker Bureau, who led and facilitated the program. 

Youth walked to the Red & Assiniboine Rivers where they were taught about the history of the two rivers. Youth had the opportunity to explore around the Forks Market as well. 

Week 5 

Trip to the Manitoba Museum of Man & Nature 

We explored the museum, history, nature, science, and the immersive galleries. It was very educative and informative. Youth got the chance to see the icy arctic coast, the dinosaurs, many Indigenous artifacts, other exhibitions, and the full-sized replica 17th century English merchant ship which was the best exhibit for the youth. 

Week 6 

Trip to the Winnipeg Art Gallery 

We learned and explored the Winnipeg Art Gallery, which is one of Canada’s leading art museums, home to the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. We explored many different arts /crafts and wonderful paintings. 

Week 7 

Trip to the St. Boniface Museum 

We explored the rich history of Saint Boniface Museum, located at the heart of the community for over 170 years. We saw wonderful exhibitions, especially the portion of Louis Riel (the founder of Manitoba and a political leader of the Metis people) 

Week 8 

Trip to the LEAF (Assiniboine Park) 

We saw the LEAF, a magnificent indoor horticultural attraction at Assiniboine Park. We experienced a stunning showcase of our diversity, express through plants that shape our lives here and across the globe. Youth had fun visiting the Richardson Butterfly Garden. 

Week 9 

Youth attended the Turtle Island Teaching on Land Based Learning to gain deeper appreciation of the rich First Nations heritage and the ongoing process of reconciliation of understanding between First Nations and Non- First nations people in Canada. 

Elder Clayton facilitated the program, and Sharon Marsden, facilitated the Indigenous craft activity making Dream Catchers. The newcomer youth had a lot of fun making the Dream Catchers and learning about the significance of the dream catchers. 

Week 10 

Closing ceremony was the celebration of our diverse cultures with invited Guest, the Executive Director of Social Planning Council, Staff from other Service providing agency, the Newcomer Youth who participated in the project, their Parents and some family members and the Newcomer Youth Council Members. The event was enhanced with different cultural food as a potluck that was shared by everyone. 

 

We appreciate and acknowledge the contribution of the Province of Manitoba, Heritage Grants Program.  

Thank you.