We Matter Campaign

Kelvin and Tunchai Redvers are brother and sister.  They are Metis and Dene.  Like so many Indigenous youth, they were overwhelmed by the high number of suicides and other issues that Indigenous youth face.  

But here is where the story takes a big turn.  In 2016, they decided to create a digital space where Indigenous youth from across the country can connect to give and receive support and love through an “interactive, multi-media format.”  And this space, they called We Matter.  Listen to them explain it for themselves:

The We Matter Campaign wants youth to know:

They aren’t alone.  They carry their own strengths.  They have the capacity to make change.  There are coping skills they can use during difficult times.  Being Indigenous is awesome and something to be proud of. Taking action can improve their communities and selves.  And they have skills and knowledge that can help others.

You can check out the inspiring short videos, artwork and writing on the We Matter website.  The voices of the young people are important to listen to and their messages are powerful.

This week, in Ottawa  We Matter held the first ever 2018 We Matter Hope Forum National Indigenous Youth Roundtable. Too often people talk for the youth and about them.  This forum gave the youth a chance to have their voices heard.  You can watch some of the proceedings on a 360 camera on the We Matter facebook page.  

Facebook has partnered with We Matter to offer assistance to youth who are considering suicide.  Their friends and loved ones can alert facebook if they see signs of this on the youth's posts.  Facebook can send a message offering support and resources to that youth. You can hear more about that on a CBC interview on The Current.

Hope Forum at the Wabano Centre, Ottawa   photo: CBC

As Tunchai says, there is space for all of us at We Matter.  People can create videos, submit writing, songs, artwork and they also need financial donations to help create tool kits to send to communities that need them.  Some northern communities don't have internet so they will send the messages on USB sticks.  This is another new story that is coming from the grassroots and young people who are tired of the old story.  And we can be a part of it.