Indigenous youth share perspectives on what makes a neighbourhood healthy

The “A Healthy Neighbourhood: Voices of Indigenous Youth” photovoice exhibition opens at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba this Thursday, January 25, 2018. The opening reception begins at 7:30 p.m. The exhibit accompanies the launch the ‘A Healthy Neighbourhood: Voices of Indigenous Youth’ booklet, a collection of photographs and stories by Indigenous youth about what makes a neighbourhood healthy, as well as, solutions needed to build healthier communities.

As part of the Healthy Neighbourhood Photovoice Project, Indigenous youth in Brandon, Manitoba who were between the ages of 18–29 were provided cameras and asked to photograph the characteristics of a healthy urban neighbourhood from their perspective.

“Through their photographs and storytelling, the Indigenous youth participating in the photovoice project shed light on the effect that people, environment, and infrastructure have on a neighbourhood and the neighbourhood’s residents” said Dr. Kathy Moscou, project principal investigator and co-curator of the exhibit.

“Creative projects using media such as photovoice provide an opportunity to build relationships, engage community and expand the voices that contribute to the community dialogue,” said Dr. Heather Duncan, Associate Vice-President (Research) at BU. “Brandon University is committed to collaboration in research with Indigenous community partners.”

The “A Healthy Neighbourhood: Voices of Indigenous Youth” exhibit and booklet aim to expand our knowledge of Indigenous perspectives and enrich public discourse about urban neighbourhoods.

“The stories and photos illuminate the importance of communication, green spaces, and activities for engaged social growth to support cultural, physical, social, and mental health of Indigenous youth, as well as building meaningful relationships that make a neighbourhood healthy,” Moscou said. Visitors are invited to explore the exhibit and take a complimentary copy of the book.

The project is a collaborative research project involving Brandon University, the Brandon Friendship Centre and the Manitoba Métis Federation Southwest Region.  It is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council Canada. Project researchers are Dr. Kathy Moscou, Dr. Karen Rempel and Dr. Chris Beeman.

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