“Me, My Future, My Health” Colouring Book Project

This spring, the Health Arts Research Centre, Prince George Native Friendship Centre and First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) worked together to gather and highlight Indigenous youth artwork in a colouring book provided to attendees of the FNHA Northern Regional Caucus. The multi-day caucus brought together Indigenous Knowledge Holders and Elders and northern BC healthcare leaders to discuss accomplishments, needs, strengths and goals related to health and healthcare services in northern BC. Attendees were encouraged to colour, write and doodle in their books during this gathering to experience the connection between self-expression, creativity and health and wellness firsthand.

The works of art gathered in the colouring books were submitted by three extremely talented young people. They were provided with the topic “Me, My Future, My Health” and informed that their submissions would be shared at this gathering. We want to extend our deep gratitude to each of them for sharing their ideas and images with us.

Indigenous Youth Artist Statements:

 1) I belong to the Caribou clan from the Nadleh Whut’en Band. I have always had an interest in art since I was young. I’ve won a few art awards, starting in grade six, and this art was displayed at UNBC for two weeks. Also, I won art awards in grade eleven and twelve. I am currently working at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre at the Smokehouse Restaurant. For my future, I am looking forward to going to school for aesthetics and possibly art school. My artwork represents me, my clan, love, growth, warmth, light and health.

2) “I was born in Prince George and go to Prince George Secondary School. I like to draw everything that I see. Dreamcatchers help you sleep. I see them all over. I know how they work because my grandma makes them, smudges them, and helps other people collect good dreams and destroy bad dreams. Sleep is important to health.”

3) “I think that people should focus on who they are, their culture and origin, think about their future and try to connect to nature.”