Young Activists Igniting Change in Community
- EFN Staff | December 16, 2013
Oskapios Igniting Change (OIC) is a group of young activists in Saskatoon that intend to change the world one neighbourhood at a time. They have already formed alliances with the Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op and Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company and have plans for a big Christmas give away. Not surprisingly, several of these young people had gone through programs with their now partners. We caught up with Mike Scott, one of the spokespersons for OIC and also a big hit on Facebook with thousands of followers of his always interesting and weirdly amusing posts.
What brought all of you together to form OIC?
Mike Scott: It's the desire to want to see a change in our communities, I hosted 2 events on my own and I found people that were dedicated to wanting the same thing as me! A group of amazing people who are willing to take time away from their own personal schedules and livesto help make that change they want to see! We all sat down and decided it would be amazing if we had something like this for all people not just First Nations and the fact we are all young people is just icing on the cake.
What is the big project for Christmas?
Mike Scott: The project for December 21st is the Christmas give away "the spirit of giving." We want to gather as many donations of money, food and presents for all ages and sexes at a community event at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge. We want to show our love for our core community of Saskatoon and let the young people know they are capable of hosting events like this, with hard work they can create a change.
How are you going to pull it off?
Mike Scott: We will pull it off by the community helping us! We need all the donations we can get from all over! Personal donations, presents, food places, businesses or anywhere that is willing to help an amazing cause.
How do you inspire other young people?
Mike Scott: We let the young people of Saskatoon and surrounding communities know that with hard work and perseverance you can accomplish any goal that you have. We need more young people on our team! So if they are willing to join our cause they can establish their own chapters of OIC in their own communities and we can build a brighter future together by sharing ideas and staying in contact.
How important is Facebook and social media in your mission?
Mike Scott: Facebook keeps us all in contact and helps us reach a larger amount of people all at the same time. I think Facebook can be used to your advantage if you are trying to spread messages of hope and inspiration and that's what our group is about! Igniting change in the hearts of all that are involved. We have a page as well (oskapios igniting change) - oskapios is a cree word for helper.
What can the community do to help? How do they reach you?
Mike Scott: We need the communitys involvement to keep bringing in donations and believe and trust in us that we are only out there trying to make a better place. They need to help us become that change we want to see, we can be reached by the Facebook page donations can be dropped off at Saskatchewan Native Theatre company 9-5pm Mon-Fri or else I can be reached by email.