July 21, 2022
WHITEHORSE, Yukon –
The Child and Youth Advocate Office has officially released We Are Storytellers, a collection of youth art and stories from artists across the territory. The book showcases the work of both established and emerging artists in a variety of different disciplines and mediums, including beading, poetry, painting, and more.
“The work of our office often highlights how children’s rights are not being upheld, but that’s just one side of the story,” states Annette King, Yukon’s Child and Youth Advocate. “In a year that’s been full of challenging stories, we wanted to do something to celebrate all the positive and creative ways that youth are using their voices.”
A call for artist submissions went out last summer, and 18 artists from across the territory were selected to contribute to the book. Each submission comprises the piece, an artist bio, and a short artist statement speaking to the importance of storytelling and creative expression for youth. Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all young people have the right to share their views and have their voices heard. “I worked hard and had to step out of my comfort zone plenty of times to get where I am so I can help youth have their voices heard,” said beader and painter Carissa Waugh in her statement. “Respecting the rights and voices of Indigenous children is an important step to decolonization and finding a way forward.”
The Advocate is hopeful the project will shine a light on the talent and stories that young people in the Yukon possess. “Every part of the book is from the Yukon, from the stories and art down to the editing and printing. We’re proud to use this as a platform to highlight youth stories, and who knows? Maybe this collection could be the first of many.”
Copies of We Are Storytellers are on sale for $35 online and in-store at Unorthodox Yukon.
The Child & Youth Advocate Office is an independent office of the Legislative Assembly committed to upholding children’s rights and amplifying the views of young people. The operations of the office are guided by the Child and Youth Advocate Act. Children, youth or others concerned about a child or youth receiving services within Yukon Government can contact the Child and Youth Advocate Office at (867) 456-5575.
Contact:
Christopher Tse
Systemic Advocacy Analyst
Yukon Child and Youth Advocate Office
(867) 456-5575
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