The winners have been announced in a provincewide children害羞草研究所檚 art/writing contest where youth were asked what being Indigenous means to them.

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day and hosted by Xy贸lhem茅ylh (Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society) the contest was open to all Indigenous people age five to 24.

The entries were judged by a panel consisting of Xy贸lhem茅ylh害羞草研究所檚 board of directors and elders advisory committee. There were three categories 害羞草研究所� ages five to 10, ages 11 to 14, and ages 15 to 24.

The children and youth expressed their connection to the land, nature, animals, and their families. They also expressed their hopes and dreams as well as their sadness with discrimination and racism.

害羞草研究所淢any artists have painted or drawn pictures of wolves howling at a full moon. In my artwork, I have used the dream catcher as my moon because I want the dream catcher to catch and protect all my hopes and dreams of being a person who is known to protect friends, freedom, family, loyalty, and teamwork,害羞草研究所� said 10-year-old Emiley of her artwork.

Kyan won first place in the ages 15 to 24 category.

害羞草研究所淪tereotypes often take over how First Nations are seen, and when someone looks at you and automatically thinks that what you are isn害羞草研究所檛 something to be proud of it makes you feel bad no matter how proud you are,害羞草研究所� Kyan wrote.

害羞草研究所淭hank you to all the children and youth who submitted their heartfelt art. It is truly inspiring to see the talent, creativity and the pride expressed in being Indigenous,害羞草研究所� said board president Dr. Wenona Hall.

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