N'we Jinan

N’we Jinan is an organization that was created to give First Nations and Indigenous youth the tools they need to be successful in the arts. The name N’we Jinan means “we live here” in James Bay (Eastern) Cree, was coined in 2014 by former Grand Chief of the Cree Nation Youth Council, Joshua Iserhoff. N’we Jinan began as a one-week intensive program that was geared toward First Nations youth who wanted to learn about and acquire skills in music production, sound recording, performance, and songwriting. The Mobile Music and Production Studio fostered the creation of original songs that centered around themes of language, struggle, love, cultural identity, and self-acceptance. More than 900 First Nations youth have participated across 70 communities, and that number is still growing. The studio encourages youth to build confidence and creates a healthy space for teamwork, collaboration, and peer-to-peer support.

N’we Jinan offers an Artworks Exploring Creative Pathways with Indigenous Youth Program. This is a three year program that is designed to meet young Indigenous artists and creatives where they’re at and support them in developing their skills to get them where they want to go. The program is designed to work with folks between the ages of 15-30 and supports its participants in building skills that will help them with their employability and entrepreneurial skills. Youth who join the program have incredible access to internships, collaborations, workshops, mentorships, and more. They get to be involved in a community of people who have the resources to be able to support them in attaining their goals.

N’we Jinan has created The Mobile Production Studio, which is a 1-week intensive teaching studio for 8-12 students at a time. This program offers students the chance to collaborate with a music producer and a videographer over the course of a week. Students will engage with themes such as language, love, cultural identity, and self-expression. Students will learn arts-based and transferable skills that will help them not only with their success in the arts, but throughout all facets of their lives. Mobile Production Studio is able to visit schools that have the required criteria.

N’we Jinan also holds a Festival and Youth conference, which invites their participants to gather and celebrate their creative and artistic productions and accomplishments. Youth at this event can come together and participate in hands-on -workshops, gatherings, and performances that allow them to showcase their hard work. There are also keynote presentations guest performances and speakers that inspire artistry and connection. The program really puts creativity and connection at the forefront of its mission, which is demonstrated through events like this.

Citations:

N’we Jinan. (2024, July 26). https://nwejinan.com/