Join Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre online to listen to 3 young Indigenous and Racialized Scholars share their art, their passion and their research. Come to be challenged and inspired!

The United Church’s Indigenous-Racialized Youth Scholars program was created to be a space where youth can give voice to a new generation who seek to move the church towards a growth while being their authentic selves. Through creative expression, including prose and poetry, the scholars tackled issues close to their hearts, reflecting on their experiences and delving into Canadian history and racism’s impact on their generation.

Now they want to share what they’ve learned and pass on the excitement, the passion, and the commitment that has brought such meaning into their own lives.

We’ll hear from:

I’m Elijah (Eli)(they/them) I am a 26-year-old mixed (Anishinaabe/Nehiyaw/Tsalagi/Settler,) Two-Spirit, musician, actor and writer who loves animals, nature, learning, engaging with community and so much more. I grew up in The United Church of Canada, in a small rural Nova Scotia congregation, and attended church camp for many years both as a camper and then a counselor. I am currently completing my undergraduate degree in Sociology with a minor in Law and Society at Acadia University. My research topic extended nicely from the work I had been doing this past academic year in school with focus on Indigenous Youth Suicide, I expanded my scope for this project to focus specifically on environmental racism- particularly water injustice- and how that connects and contributes to the disproportionate rates of Indigenous Youth Suicide.

Sarah Yang
Sarah is a first-year university student, currently studying in Hamilton Ontario. She is of Korean descent but grew up in Manitoba, attending Teulon and Balmoral United Church. Sarah’s research topic covers the ways in which Racialized and Indigenous peoples may interact with capitalism and colonialism as embedded into culture and psychological mindsets. Sarah appreciates good music, vintage, and wishes to write a book within her lifetime.

Mackayla Taylor
Tansi, Aaniin, Nizho Misko Miigoganog/Nisomihkokwanak Nitisinikâson. Nîci-înînîmâkânân môniyâw iskwâhtêm Mackayla. Hello! My Spirit name is Two Red Feathers, and my English name is Mackayla Taylor. I am 19 years old and currently a university student in Treaty 1 territory working towards a degree in Social Work and Gender studies to eventually become an action therapist and help those in the foster care system regain confidence in their Indigeneity. My research topic is “The Impacts of ‘Pretendian’ Identities on Indigenous Communities and how the United Church of Canada plays a role. I am mixed Indigenous and queer. I have attended Atlantic Garden City United Church ever since I was younger. I love beading, sewing, spending time with my family, and reconnecting to my culture. Although we all have different views, I hope that when reading and listening to my paper, it sparks an interest in further learning and education on topics that aren’t discuss widely. Ékosi, Miigwetch.