Officially proclaimed in 2013, our provincial Children and Youth in Care Day offers a chance to recognize and celebrate the lives and achievements of youth in the provincial care system. It serves as an opportunity raise awareness and reduce the stigma that is too often associated with being in care.
Proclaimed by official decree by Lieutenant-governor Jocelyne Roy-Vienneau, this important recognition came at the heels of a number of key projects put forth by members of our New Brunswick Youth in Care Network (NBYICN). With investment by the Province of New Brunswick, the NBYICN is a Partners For Youth program developed by current and former youth in care that seeks to engage and empower youth in care by involving them in highly supportive projects that focus on elements of self-fulfillment, leadership skills development, and peer-based social action.
To join in the celebration of Children and Youth in Care Day, NBYICN leaders organized a month-long art contest for youth in and from care. Anyone who is or who was in the provincial care system was invited to participate by creating some form of art piece based on the theme: Youth in and from care are awesome! The concept was intended to highlight the strength, talents, and resilience of youth in care.
“It’s pretty evident throughout history that art in its many forms is an expression of emotions, as well as an outlet. To celebrate youth in/from care, we first need to understand them, and how better to do so than through an art contest depicting the best parts of who they are! This contest is a creative and expressive way for them to shine through as more than just youth in care, but as amazing young people with talents and ambitions.” –NBYICN Leader
In addition to our NBYICN contest, a number of regional events and outings will take place throughout the province. In the coming years, we hope to keep growing this celebration as a way of prompting people to pause and reflect on the social stigmas and realities of youth in provincial care.