Young filmmakers: Aboriginal youth take action against poverty

Students from Rainbow District School Board’s Aboriginal Youth Leadership Group produced public service announcements to highlight the issue of poverty in Greater Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin as part of an intensive four-day workshop which culminated on Monday, November 1st, 2010. Young filmmakers included, from left, Jacob Dayfox, Grade 12, Manitoulin Secondary School; Lance Kitchikeg, Grade 12, Confederation Secondary School; Brandy Saikkonen, Grade 10, Lively District Secondary School; and Lisa-Marie Dickson, Grade 9, Lively District Secondary School.

Presented by Redcloud Studios Inc., the workshop was designed to engage youth in dialogue and use video to address issues affecting youth and the community. Students created, wrote and produced eight public service announcements. In the process, they strengthened their communication and leadership skills. Some students have been inspired to pursue a career in the film industry. The public service announcements will be shared by youth within their own communities and classrooms as a tool to engage other youth and start a dialogue about actions that can be taken to reduce poverty and its effects.