Batoche Youth Reculturalization Project

The Batoche Youth Reculturalization Project, led by Arctic 2018 alum Jared Gravelle-Prince, aimed to increase Metis youth knowledge and empower young community members. Youth and elders travelled from Kelowna, British Columbia to Mistawasis Nehiyawak First Nation (outside of Batoche, Saskatchewa) to learn about Metis culture and history, practice Cree language skills, enjoy nature walks, make birch bark ornaments, and fiddle. All attendees returned home able to connect with Cree language and speak 10 full sentences! Overall, the trip gave hands-on history lessons to youth who have been separated from their culture by trauma, adoption and foster care, passing on knowledge and perspectives, providing space for relationship building, and opportunities for mentorship.

About Jared Gravelle-Prince

Jared is a sixteen-year-old Metis/ Dene youth that lives in Kelowna B.C.. As the team lead of this project, Jared believes that he has what it takes to be a leader as he has faced diversities as person with a disability head on. He is also a strong and passionate aboriginal youth who is committed to making his community a better place by taking part in any leadership opportunities that come his way. Some of these opportunities other then SOI were: Metis Youth forums and AGMs, UBCs Aboriginal leadership summer science camp participant three years in a row, chosen delegate and participant in the Justice Institutes very first summer program, and more. Jared is also a dedicated and hard-working student that does not let his disability get in the way and is consistently on the honour roll and principals list. He feels that he is very fortunate as his grandparents and great grandparents have given him exposure to being connected to traditional community, traditional activities and language.