History
Phase One – Video
In its inaugural year, First Voices brought together aboriginal youth from Atlantic Canada, Guatemala and Chile to make a documentary based on stories of hope as found in their communities.
The youth congregated in Halifax for a workshop in video production taught by aboriginal filmmaker Cathy Martin. Equipped with digital video cameras, they travelled back to their respective communities to capture stories, voices and images important to them. They later returned to Halifax to collaboratively weave together a documentary. The participants travelled to Guatemala to screen their work and visit various communities throughout the country. View their stories.
The documentary is available for purchase online and through ACIC.
Phase Two – Multimedia
In 2007, five youth from Labrador, Nova Scotia, Honduras and Guatemala shared stories from their communities through art, music, photography and traditional ceremony. Collectively, they came together to produce a collaborative painting and to participate in an exhibit to showcase their individual work in Atlantic Canada.
The exhibit is available for presentation in communities in Atlantic Canada. Please contact ACIC if you are interested in hosting this exhibit.
Phase Three – Music
The third phase of First Voices brought together six young people from Botswana, Labrador, PEI and New Brunswick. Together the youth embarked on a ten-day musical tour where they participated in workshops, collaborated musically and engaged close to 1000 people in Atlantic Canada. Though coming from a diversity of musical backgrounds and traditions, the group was able to blend their traditional pasts with contemporary influences and vocalize upon themes that highlighted their similar, as well as unique cultural identities, challenges and achievements.
The phase three participants created a lasting tribute to their musical talents by recording a CD, which is available for purchase along with a DVD documenting their time together. Watch trailer.
Phase Four – Dance
In the fall of 2009, three aboriginal youth from Atlantic Canada joined three indigenous Igorot youth from the Philippines to share and collaborate through dance. Participants combined individual performances with collaborative pieces to create a spectacular experience they shared with communities in PEI and Nova Scotia. Check it out.
Phase Five – Coming Together Again
October 2010 was a very special year for First Voices, as youth from the previous four phases reunited in Halifax for a final celebration of all that they had created since the program began in 2005. It was also an occasion to reflect upon and share what impact this experience has had on their lives. After a week of creative collaberation outside of Halifax, the youth came together for a final performance; an International Indigenous Arts Festival at St. Mary’s University on October 2nd. Performing to a sold-out crowd the evening was an unforgettable celebration of indigenous art, as the youth shared their stories and showcased the beauty and strength of their cultures.