By Tricia Thomas 

Elders from T’sou-ke First Nation played an important role in preparing Aboriginal youth for their year-long cultural exchange in Africa.

The internship program, offered by the Victoria International Development Education Association (VIDEA) sponsored ten young people from 18–35 to travel to either Uganda or Zambia, working with children, sports, agriculture, carpentry, crafts and other skills. On their return, they will share what they learned about other Indigenous cultures with communities across Canada.

Allyn Armitage-Point

Allyn Armitage-Point from Hesquiaht and Sts’ailes nations, who is going to Uganda, had this to say about the training: “I have been learning a lot about Africa and its history through the pre-departure sessions. The T’sou-ke elders have helped me personally to deal with stress and become more connected to my spirituality by looking at ‘angel’ cards and guidance sessions.”

videa.ca