The Vancouver Youth Choir Kindred has launched a special initiative by offering a free six-week program to youth between age 14 and 22, who have recently relocated to Canada. The program opens an assemblage of Indigenous music and culture, which seeks to bridge the cultural shocks that newcomers may encounter in their new environment. The mission of this initiative is to foster connections between the newcomers and the Indigenous communities, which in turn facilitates a seamless blend of diverse cultures.
The unique aspect of this initiative is in its method, which is, the use of Indigenous music. The music is traditionally taught via oral tradition and it encompasses elements like drumming, this kind of music transcends language barriers, thereby making it a global medium of communication. In essence, this allows participants to engage without the importance of English proficiency, thus mitigating one of the barriers to cultural integration.
Indigenous music instructor Deanna Gestrin and musician Russell Wallace are the pilots of this cultural expedition. These two people possess a vast history of tutoring youth from different backgrounds, with a track record of mentoring no fewer than 125 youngsters in previous sessions. Their role transcends teaching music; they serve as cultural ambassadors who introduce newcomers to the opulence of Indigenous history and culture.
While talking about the programme, Molly Bushell, the project manager, said the impact of the program is two-fold. It promotes cross-cultural connections, creating the path for a more integrated society. Also, it eliminates stereotypes and misinformation about Indigenous people that newcomers may hold over a lack of exposure.
