ABOUT OUR WORLD
Our World is a National Film Board of Canada - Pacific & Yukon Centre initiative designed in partnership with remote First Nations communities in British Columbia and the Yukon. Our World teaches youth how to use contemporary digital technology in making films in First Language that express something about their world.
FIRST LANGUAGE
Today, First Language usage has diminished in many First Nations communities to the point where only a few elders speak it. These communities have concerns and are finding ways to re-introduce First Language to children and youth with various levels of success. Difficulties in doing this arise from the lack of everyday usage in a world where English is so predominant.
After the success of the 2006 Our World animation projects, some wondered if Our World could be used to help teach First Language. We've since focused on incorporating First Nations language into the current phases of Our World.
Our World can help to create some relevance by focusing on First Language as a requirement for the stories produced. By having young people construct stories with contemporary media using First Language, it will engage their minds creatively in the puzzle of how to do this. Rather than being about teaching language, Our World enables young people to make First Language relevant to them. As they construct their stories they are required to use both contemporary media and First Language.
PRODUCTION
Before the projects are produced, we ask each community to identify young people interested in visual art and/or storytelling. An introductory session is held with our partners and potential participants to outline the nature of the project, its goals and requirements. We then send instructors to the First Nations communities where they spend a week working with a group of young people who then create their own short films in the First Nations' language. At the end of the week, a public screening of their work is held to celebrate their accomplishments and to invite the community to come see and hear the stories.
THE PROJECT VISION
Our World is based on the concept of giving voice and inviting others to hear. The project aims to leave something behind that benefits both the individual and the community. By facilitating active communication and reception, we encourage positive social engagement. It is also about exposing young people to potential future career options by learning how to express themselves creatively with modern, digital media.