Share the Passion; Pass on the Excitement!

As an online learning community, eight Indigenous and Racialized Young Scholars completed their research projects, which began in late May. They received mentorship from a co-sojourner who was herself a part of the Young Black Scholars three years earlier. The Indigenous and Racialized Young Scholars program was created to be a space where these youth can give voice to a new generation who seek to move the United Church towards a new pathway of growth while being their authentic selves.

It was a transformative experience, as demonstrated from the two excerpts above – quotes from much longer prose and poetry. They mutually reflected on issues closest to their hearts and beings, from experiences they face daily as they sought to develop leadership skills and ways to stand in solidarity with others.  Each young scholar has discovered significant research data from different aspects of Canadian history and racism affecting their generation. Each of them also articulated their own research findings in various forms of creative arts.

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

Your Church Can Host a Presentation Event

Invite folks from your community and wider neighbourhood to an online event where at least three of these Young Scholars can share their research findings in creative art forms. Witness their passion and the challenge their findings pose for your congregation and your wider community. They’re excited to share their research no doubt!

Use these posters and social media graphics to share the event

Host your event online, and we can facilitate registration through CHURCHx!

Contact Emo Yango  for more information on how to host an event!

Participate in one of these Online Events!

Congregations across the country are signing up to host these speakers, and you can participate online. Watch this space for a growing schedule of dates and topics and help us spread the news.

Indigenous-Racialized Youth Scholars 2024

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.

Inzwirashe Munikwa Hello everyone! l am 21 years old and I was born in Zimbabwe and co-habit between Ontario and New Brunswick. I have been going to UCCan since I was ten and have attended various youth programs over the years. I am currently going into my final year at university, studying Political Science. My research with UCCan 'Indigenous and Racialized Youth Scholars' focuses on the effects racism has on the bodies of Black and African people living in Canada and it is titled "Racism in Our Bodies". I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, trying and cooking new cuisines, and visiting new places.

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.

Mandimby Rakatondramboa Salama o! I'm Mandimby, a 24 year old from Madagascar. I'm currently studying communication at the University of Montreal. My research focuses on the perception of racism among young newcomers from Africa who have never been to a Western country before. I got to know the United Church of Canada through my pastor from the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM). I love sports, playing tennis, bodybuilding, and running. I'm always up for new challenges and adventures.

Lorraine Nyarota Hi, My name is Lorraine Nyarota, 20 years old from Edmonton, Alberta. I am currently studying B.A. Social Sciences. I aspire to be part of a collective voice in advocating for Black women. I love the outdoors, coffee, reading and music is my passion!

Kupa Munikwa Hello! My name is Kupa Munikwa, I’m 18 years old. I was born in Zimbabwe and moved to Canada when I was 8 years old. I currently live in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. I'll be attending my second year at Dalhousie University, majoring in Psychology. In my free time I enjoy watching movies, painting and drawing. My research paper focuses on the Black clergy within the United Church of Canada.

Ryan Kisi I’m Ryan Kisi, a 22-year-old from Zimbabwean heritage living in Edmonton. I am a student at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. I am a member of the United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe. My interest in the impact of racism on society’s perceptions and expectations of Black men in Canada, and its effect on their lives led me to do research on this topic. I’m all about keeping it real. I’m super into motorsports—there’s nothing like the rush of the track and the vibe of the crowd. I love hanging out with people and exploring the great outdoors. I’m pretty chill and nonchalant, just going with the flow and enjoying life’s adventures.

Eli Dunlap 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.

Jonisha Lewinson I am a 23-year-old Black British-Canadian writer, social activist, and graduate of Sheridan’s Creative Writing and Publishing program. I have been involved in many United Church of Canada initiatives including the Young Black Scholars Program, the development of the Anti-Racism Curriculum for Youth (AR4YT), the Indigenous-Racialized Youth Scholars program (as a mentor), and now I am serving on the World Council of Churches Young People in the Ecumenical Movement Commission. I am a resident of Brampton, Ontario and have recently started my journey as an arts and crafts entrepreneur.