Voices Carried

Voices Carried is an intergenerational storytelling and mentorship program that brings together First Nations, settler, and newcomer older adults and youth to share stories, lived experiences, and cultural knowledge in a respectful and relational way. The program centers oral tradition as a way of preserving knowledge, strengthening identity, and building understanding across generations and cultures.

The program will engage approximately 10 to 20 youth participants, depending on recruitment and community interest, alongside older adults, mentors, and storytellers from diverse backgrounds. Equal value is placed on the role of older adults and newcomers as storytellers, knowledge holders, and contributors to a shared learning environment.

The program will primarily engage youth participants across a range of ages, with flexibility to include younger participants where appropriate. Recruitment will focus on youth who demonstrate interest in storytelling, creative expression, and mentorship. Youth participants will be recruited through community partners, schools, and organizations, with a focus on accessibility and inclusion. The program is open to all youth, including those facing barriers, ensuring inclusive access while prioritizing participants who may benefit most from mentorship, connection, and skill development.

Sessions will take place bi-weekly on Saturday mornings in accessible community spaces such as libraries, schools, and cultural venues across Saskatoon. These environments will support different forms of storytelling and provide varied settings for learning and sharing.

Participants will engage in storytelling, listening, reflection, and mentorship. Youth will learn from First Nations, settler, and newcomer storytellers and will be supported in developing their own storytelling skills. The program emphasizes mutual learning, where all participants contribute to and benefit.

Mentors will guide youth in understanding how to respectfully carry and share stories, including the importance of consent, interpretation, and responsibility. Through this process, youth will build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop self-advocacy by learning to express their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives clearly and respectfully.

The program allows for multiple forms of storytelling, including spoken word, performance, movement, and creative expression, ensuring accessibility for participants with different strengths and comfort levels.

The program will conclude with a community storytelling gathering attended by approximately 40 to 60 people. This event will showcase both original storytelling and youth interpretations, demonstrating how stories are carried across generations while maintaining respect for their meaning.

Voices Carried supports long-term impact through the potential development of a speakers bureau, where youth and adult participants can continue sharing stories and knowledge beyond the program.

The program complements existing community initiatives by working with local organizations, schools, and community spaces, reducing barriers and providing a unique intergenerational and cross-cultural experience.