Five groups are recipients of the Prairieaction Foundation Youth Leadership Awards. Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty says the projects address issues facing young people. Mirasty is the Honourary Patron of PAF Saskatchewan. PAF was formed in response to the 1989 Montreal Massacre. The group raises and grants funds for community-based research in the three Prairie Provinces into the causes of and solutions for violence and abuse. Recipients receive $3 thousand to continue, expand, or duplicate their project or to initiate a new activity. A list of the winners and their projects is attached to this story at cjwwradio.com
2020 Prairieaction Foundation Youth Leadership Award Saskatchewan Recipients
Clearwater Project Venture Youth Mentors
Clearwater River Dene Nation
This Project is an outdoor/experiential program for students in grades 6 to 8, with assistance from high-school students who graduate into mentors. The program is guided by traditional values such as family, learning from nature, spiritual awareness, service to others, and respect. Youth develop a positive self-image, effective communication skills, community service ethic, improved decision-making and problem-solving skills, and personal resilience. The project involves four multi-day camps per year with an average of 20 students and 4 mentors per camp.
Collection Builders for Social Justice
Carlton Comprehensive High School, Prince Albert
An Art teacher challenged her students to build collections of art, complete a formal statement of intent about the collection, and submit their work to galleries in their community. The project led to improved student attendance, as students were committed to a goal. Their confidence improved, they began to take ownership of explaining their art to others, and their conversations shifted to creating understanding and aiding the journey to reconciliation. They became more self-aware and were better able to examine the dynamics in their relationships. There are over 20 students who are completing collections within the school. One student was recently recognized for her work and was given an opportunity to paint a large mural for the local mall.
The Daily Difference
Alliance Health, Moose Jaw
This project began in 2016 when 15-year-old Kelli Lemstra was looking for a way to deal with the challenges of bullying and mental health. She realized that youth need more resources and opportunities for help. With her father’s assistance, Kelli created an on-line application. “The Daily Difference” app connected youth with mental health professionals, including a chat function and option for anonymity. Kelli connected with the Moose Jaw Police Service, which provides legal advice or aid. As of January 2020, the “Daily Difference” app has over 2500 users who have found much-needed help and support.
I’mperfect – Imperfect: Understand Us
St. Gregory Elementary School, Regina
Students involved in this successful 3-year initiative at St. Gregory Elementary School have attracted much attention for their work involving youth mental health, and have been invited to speak at conferences and in classrooms around Saskatchewan. Students speak about their own vulnerabilities and insecurities, and invite students to work together to create change and awareness. The goal of this newest project in the series is to realize the differences between how students perceive themselves and how others perceive them. They will discover invisible barriers, uniqueness, and that none of us is alone. Facilitators will provide workshops and lessons on self-love, healthy relationships, self-regulation, and physical health, and students will create videos and speeches to present at a gala event.
Peer Support Volunteers
Churchill Community High School, La Ronge
This project provides support, information, or referrals for students regarding issues such as addiction, sexual wellness, family conflict, and bullying. They run year-long activities with themes relating to mental health. The volunteers are trained at a self-care retreat each spring on topics such as identity and suicide awareness. One of their successful programs in the past year, “Music for Mental Health,” featured local and school talent. As well, they presented to the Embracing Life Committee, and led 5 noon-hour events and a dance that supported healthy relationships. Experienced Peer Support Volunteers, who have branded clothing to identify them, assist in the training of the new Peer Support Volunteers.
