Climate Awareness and Creative Entrepreneurship

In Northwestern Ontario, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Winnipeg, Manitoba, an exciting arts initiative is reshaping the way Indigenous youth interact with the arts and climate action. Our People Our Climate, a participatory arts and storytelling program, has left a profound impact on communities across Manitoba and beyond. Combining traditional knowledge, digital technologies, and storytelling, the program empowers Indigenous youth and artists to explore the intersection of culture, creativity, and climate change.

Originally funded in 2019-2020 with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the University of Minnesota Duluth, Our People Our Climate was originally conceived as a documentary film initiative aimed at developing the storytelling skills of Nunavut youth and young adults. Inuit communities across Canada’s Arctic are central to the climate change conversation, and this project sought to highlight their unique perspectives through a cultural lens distinct to their heritage.

Beginning in early 2020, the project emerged as an international collaboration that brought together an impressive range of organizations, including the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative, Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow, the illinniapaa Skills Development Centre in Iqaluit, Kakivak Association, Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies at York University, GRULAC Junior, Museum Cerny, University of St. Thomas, and the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

The original pilot program’s reach grew to extend far beyond its Nunavut roots, with iterations now taking place in Manitoba, across Canada and around the world. A Northwestern Ontario iteration is planned for spring of 2025.

“In the years that followed, Our People Our Climate would evolve from this international collaboration into multiple iterations, ultimately leading to a locally-led, youth-driven version based in urban Winnipeg. This shift empowered emerging youth artists to take the lead in addressing climate and cultural issues through their own creative work.”

The project was presented in 2020 during the international Arctic Change 2020 conference held virtually with the ArcticNet Network Centre of Excellence. and Inclusion in Northern Research project. And, in late 2021, works from the project were exhibited at the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow, Scotland, during COP26. The following summer, the program hosted workshops and exhibitions in Winnipeg, bringing together participants from Manitoba and other parts of Canada to share their perspectives. In 2022 the program was presented during at the University of Victoria Community-Based Research Lab. In 2023 elements of the project were integrated with the theme of Kindness for the Planet as part of National Kindness Week activities on CPAC with Global Dignity Canada and for Arctic Science Summit Week 2023 in Vienna, Austria.

2022: Launching a Summer Training Program in Winnipeg

“The original Our People Our Climate pilot program was designed to build bridges,” explained Jamie Bell, one of the Manitoba-based interdisciplinary artists who supported the initiative with its Winnipeg iteration in 2022 and 2023. “It’s about linking our stories, our history, and our cultural practices with the tools and challenges of today—like climate change. Art has the power to connect people across divides and inspire action.”

In the spring and summer of 2022, as the world began to open up again after the Covid-19 pandemic, a new iteration of Our People Our Climate was launched with support from the Manitoba Arts Council. This time, the program provided emerging Indigenous artists with hands-on opportunities to explore the intersection of climate change and digital storytelling from an urban lens in downtown Winnipeg.

Through workshops in photography, digital arts, creative and climate entrepreneurship, the program equipped emerging artists with both technical skills and a deeper understanding of their history and heritage. “The Manitoba Arts Council’s support allowed us to create something truly impactful,” said Jamie Bell. “It gave us the freedom to experiment and empower youth and emerging artists to find their voices and share their stories.” The program built on the lessons learned from the original pilot program, enhancing and testing curriculum for creative capacities, building confidence and a sense of community, leaving a lasting imprint where Manitoba artists were able to contribute.

Sessions and activities took place in cultural hubs such as the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq’s Niizhwaaso Collaborative Learning Centre, and the Aabijijiwan New Media Lab at the University of Winnipeg. These spaces provided a space for artistic and digital innovation but also reinforced the importance of community and culture, allowing participants to connect with their heritage while engaging in creative climate action. In June 2022, workshops in Winnipeg were joined by youth, artists and participatory researchers from the Carving Out Climate Testimony program and the University of Victoria Community Based Research Lab. The program also engaged with and learned from initiatives such as the UNESCO Chair in Community Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education.

“The Winnipeg iteration of this project was a shining example of how Indigenous youth are taking charge and contributing to rebuilding the local arts sector after the devastating effects of the pandemic,” said Jamie Bell. “The challenges we faced during those years really hit capacity hard, both locally and across the arts community in general. But seeing these young artists learn to take ownership of their work, grow their skills, and lead the way forward is incredibly inspiring. It’s about more than just creative expression—it’s about empowering youth to embrace self-determination and develop self-reliance, ultimately helping them shape the future of the arts.”

However, the project still faced its challenges. While pandemic restrictions were easing, limitations remained. “We were eager to get back to work, but we still had to stay small,” said Bell. “We couldn’t gather in large groups, so we relied on virtual sessions and small group meetings. It was definitely a challenge, but we made it work. Even though we couldn’t meet in the traditional way, we still managed to connect, create, and build something meaningful.” Despite these hurdles, the program succeeded in fostering creativity and building relationships, enabling youth to explore their stories and perspectives in an impactful way.

From Shy Beginnings to Bold Outcomes

At first, many participants were hesitant. “Some of us youth were so shy we barely spoke during workshops,” recalled Tony Eetak, an emerging youth artist who co-led and co-funded the Manitoba program. “But by the end, we were presenting our work with pride, sharing our stories, and feeling like we had something to contribute—not just to art, but to the world.”

The project combined hands-on training in digital arts, oral history and virtual reality, with deep dives into cultural storytelling and climate science. Artists and participants were encouraged to document their experiences through film and audio, while developing skills in community-based participatory research and creative production.

“Every workshop was a chance for us young artists grow,” Eetak added. “We learned to use cutting-edge technology, and learned a lot about our culture. It was also about finding balance—learning to work in two worlds.”

The impact extended far beyond individual growth and technical skills. The program nurtured a sense of community among participants, mentors, and organizers. Emerging artists worked alongside established professionals, elders, and researchers to co-create new approaches to climate resilience. They have also been learning to conceptualize and activate successful media and communication.campaigns.

The hybrid values underpinning the program—rooted in both tradition and modernity—became a guiding philosophy. “In prior projects, Elders taught us the importance of self-determination and respect for the land,” Bell said. “At the same time, we embraced digital tools to tell our stories in ways that resonate with today’s audiences. That balance is where the magic happens.”

Global Reach, Local Impact

Despite the challenges of launching during a pandemic and post-pandemic recovery, the program continued to find its stride. A third iteration of Our People Our Climate in spring 2023 saw the Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific Multilateral Environmental Agreements (ACP MEAs) program organizing a virtual workshop in collaboration with GRULAC Junior, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and delivered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Art Borups Corners and its Winnipeg Arts Incubator team also participated, learning more and seeing how other countries were applying the program’s approaches and methods.

“It was amazing to see how much interest this project has generated each time it’s offered,” Bell said. “Activities over the years have grown across the United States, Ontario, and even South America, like Colombia and the Caribbean. There’s a growing recognition of how these kinds of arts-based approaches can drive meaningful climate action and impacts for community engagement.”

Five Years Later …

In 2024, elements from previous iterations of the project were integrated into arts-based and participatory food security activities, supported by Manitoba Agriculture and the Canadian Sustainable Agricultural Partnership. Youth and artists applied their storytelling and artistic skills to create food products, exploring climate entrepreneurship and innovation within northern food systems.

They incorporated experiential design, biomimicry, and biophilic design, blending creative expression with sustainable practices. Virtual reality and music were also integrated, offering an immersive platform for exploring solutions to food security challenges in the north. In May 2024, the Manitoba program was accepted for support from the OpenAI Researcher Access Program. The outcomes were showcased in a special session co-convened by youth from Canada and the U.S. during the 2024 Arctic Congress in Bodø, Norway in June.

“The arts give us a way to see and feel what’s at stake with climate change,” Eetak said. “They also give us hope. This project showed me that art isn’t just about creating something beautiful—it’s about building a better future.”

2025: Climate Diplomacy, Participatory Arts, and Storytelling

As climate challenges intensify, initiatives like Our People Our Climate demonstrate the power of art in inspiring action and fostering connections. These programs highlight that solutions come not only from science but also from creativity, community, and a deep connection to the land.

Looking ahead to 2025, the program is set to expand its reach and deepen its impact, with plans to involve more local and international partners. The aim is to inspire the next generation of artists and changemakers.

For Bell and Eetak, the heart of the program is its human connection. “We have enjoyed every moment and every experience from each of these different iterations. But what’s made this project special is the people,” said Bell. “Every artist, every participant, every Elder brought something unique to the table. Together, Our People Our Climate is creating something bigger than any of us—a shared vision for a future that respects both our past and our planet.”

This shift highlights the program’s evolution from government-backed inception to a platform where youth and artists from around the world are now leading the design and delivery of innovative, community-driven solutions to the climate crisis. Through the power of collaboration, the program exemplifies the lasting impact that occurs when youth are empowered to take charge, creating a ripple effect of change that extends well beyond Canada’s borders.

“We can’t wait to see what comes next,” said Tony. This spring, youth are working to launch a Northwestern Ontario version of Our People Our Climate with Art Borups Corners, which is less than 10 kilometres from the recently announced site of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s Adaptive Phased Management program. “We’re going to learn a lot about climate change, nuclear energy and the arts.”

For more information, visit the program page at: http://artsincubator.ca/journalism/