Change Makers' Education Society
Time for Reflection
Time for Reflection
A growing collection of our events! Past, present, and future!
New Year / New You
New Year / New You
Winter 2023
Community Services
Change Makers is part of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. This service is free! We offer this service year round. For more information about the program, click here. Contact us to set up a time that works for you.
You can send important paperwork using Fax or Scan and Email at our office at 661 McKay Street. You can also access MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) if you need to create a document.
If you plan to go back to get your high school diploma, we have tutoring available and learners can use our laptops to prepare for tests, do homework, and create documents. We have many resources in our office and we can support you through the process.
If you are unsure if we can help you, give us a call or send us an email. We are here to answer any questions you have.
If we can't help you, we will find someone who can.
Youth Programs
The Raven Tales Program is always looking for youth/young adults 15-30 years old, to join so that they can gain new skills and learn about different cultures. This programming is now taking place at the youth centre! You can find out more about this program by clicking here. You can also like our Raven Tales Facebook page here.
If you know someone who is interested in our Soar program, email YouthDevelopmentSoar@outlook.com or contact us for more info . You can find our contact info here where you can also send us an email.
Time for the fall and some beautiful leaves
Time for the fall and some beautiful leaves
August 2022 Summer
A new program and some youth have invaded!
Well, we have had the youth from K'oomtk here a few times this summer. They met here for Fun Friday Adventures, neighbourhood clean up and making personal tie-dye t-shirts, and of course there were snacks. It's been fun having them here.
Coming up, we are starting an elders group that we have named Grandparents' Circle. We would like to offer this space for our elder population to be able to come and enjoy some soup, snacks and warm drinks together while sharing stories of the past and present, as well as hopes for the future. Stop by and bring a friend.
Pictured here is Sherry, the support worker at our adult literacy space on McKay, Carol, an elder who regularly stops by to share her knowledge and join our cooking program and Alexis, one of our work experience workers; all working together to make food for the youth centre, our drop-in centre for Young Adults.
You can find both of our calendars on our home page!
Fall Go By Bike weeks is from Oct 3-16. Don't forget to register and log your rides for a chance to win the grand prize as well as local prizes. Be sure to follow the Prince Rupert page for Go By Bike here to get up to date info about future Go By Bike weeks.
To see the blog for K'oomtk, click here.
Almost time for warm summer days!
Almost time for warm summer days!
June 2022 Spring
Thank you to our youth and adult staff and volunteers.
We are now busy getting ready to join the Seafest parade and events,\. We also plan to be a part of Indigenous Peoples' Day on June 21. We are planning a two day fundraiser and celebration for the end of the month. Our dinner fundraiser details will be announced soon. Come check out our art displays and a theatrical performance.
What's been happening this summer?
Here's an update for you.
What's been happening this summer?
Here's an update for you.
Summer, 2021
We had a busy summer with a lot of exciting programs for all.
This summer we held many different programs. Some were for young adults only while others were for all adults.
These programs included jam making, berry picking, fruit preserves, homemade bath bombs and bath salts, soap making, wellness walks and more. If you would like to check out our calendar and see what we've done over the past few months, you can find it on our home page, Change Makers or you can click the following link.
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=rupertliteracy%40gmail.com&ctz=America%2FVancouver
As you can see, we took a program break in August. This was to prepare for the opening of our youth centre in the Ocean Centre mall (Suite 151). Which was opened on September 8th on International Literacy Day.
Here are some important days that happened this summer.
June 21st was National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 27th was Canadian Multiculturism Day
July 1st was Canada Day - this year was different for thousands of Canadians
August 12th was International Youth Day
To find out about other important awareness days visit
Charity Village - Special Awareness Days here
Happy New Year
Vision Boards and more
Happy New Year
Vision Boards and more
January, 2021
Change Makers' Education Society
Everyone is welcome at Change Makers. Give us a call to see if we can help you or to set up appointments.
Vision Boards are being planned and worked on every Wednesday this month from 1pm-3pm. This is a great way to set your goals for the year. During our Vision Board program, we will give you questions that will help you figure out what you want to focus on for the year.
Once that's decided, you can start designing your vision board. We have plenty of magazines that you can cut pictures and words from.
You can set up a time to do this with us or gather your own supplies.
Some things you will need include
A writing pad or notebook to write down thoughts and ideas as well as for answering the questions.
A poster board to use as the base of your vision board.
Magazines or newspapers to cut up for pictures and words that have meaning for your vision board.
Cutting tools like scissors or exacto knives (be careful)
Adhesive like glue or tape to put your photos and words on your vision boards.
Please be prepared to mask up and sanitize if you plan to come onsite.
If you plan to join us by Zoom, you will need a laptop, mobile device or a computer with video and audio ability.
If you have never used Zoom before and you have questions or concerns, give us a call or send us an email and we would be happy to answer your questions.
Celebrate Family Literacy on January 27th, 2021!
Literacy Month, back to school, Science Literacy week, and we can't forget National Coffee day...
Literacy Month, back to school, Science Literacy week, and we can't forget National Coffee day...
September, 2020
Literacy Month.... a Story Weaving Fence...
To celebrate National Literacy Month, Change Makers' community volunteers and youth from our Raven Tales Storytelling Revival Project have woven words promoting reconciliation with natural materials (vines and branches, fabric and rope) into the fence surrounding the McKay Street Park on Kootenay Avenue and McKay Street. Our Literacy Outreach Workers met with Sm'oogyit Alex Campbell to learn about some traditional teaching and values from the Ts’msyen tradition, he shared his thoughts around Łoomsk (respect) and offered guidance as we chose Sm’algyax words to incorporate into the fence.
We encourage observers to share their reflection on the project with us @RavenTalesStorytelling @ChangeMakersEducation or email us at ChangeMakersEducation@Outlook.com
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day, we are honoring the memory of the children who were sent to residential school by painting rocks and placards with Every Child Matters. Orange Shirt Day started in 2013 in William's Lake and is hoped to become a national day to acknowledge the experience of Residential School Survivors. The Orange Shirt refers to the new shirt that Phyllis Webstad was given to her by her grandmother for her first day of school at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school in British Columbia. When Phyllis got to school, they took away her clothes, including her new shirt. It was never returned. To Phyllis, the colour orange has always reminded her of her experiences at residential school and, as she has said, “how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.” Hear Phylis Webstad speak about Orange Shirt Day here.
Winter fun is almost done.
Winter fun is almost done.
March 2022 Winter days are gone
Our Drop-in Centre for Young Adults!
There has been so much going on at K'oomtk. Lots of different programs. Stop in and check it out! Our staff and volunteers at Change Makers' Adult Literacy space have been providing 2 meals a week to the centre. Pictured here is one of our volunteers prepping some food to be cooked.
You can find both of our calendars on our home page! We have started our Honour Your Health Challenge program. Learn healthier versions of your favourite recipes and enjoy a smoothie each week. Get entered for prizes.
Coming up at the end of May is Go By Bike week. Find out more by following the Prince Rupert page for Go By Bike here.
A lot of exciting changes have been happening!
A lot of exciting changes have been happening!
Fall 2021
New programming space for young adults!
As stated in our summer update, we have opened a new programming space called K'oomtk, which means Hope in Sm'algyax. This space is available for youth and young adults ages 15-30 years old. We are located in the Ocean Centre Mall in Suite 151.
There are plenty of programs happening now and we welcome any input you may have about what you would like to see happening there.
To see the blog for K'oomtk, click here.
Community services
At Change Makers, we are available to help you with your taxes year round even taxes that you are behind on.
You can send important paperwork using fax or scan and email at our office at 661 McKay Street.
If you plan to go back to get your high school diploma, we have laptops available for you to prepare for tests, do homework, and create documents.
We have many resources in our office and we can support you through the process.
If you are not sure if we can help you, give us a call or shoot us an email. We are here to answer any questions you may have.
If we can't help you, we will find someone who can.
Youth Programs
The Raven Tales Program is always looking for youth/young adults to join so that they can gain new skills and learn about different cultures. This programming is now taking place at the youth centre! You can find out more about this program by clicking here. You can also like our Raven Tales Facebook page here.
The Soar Program is now in operation. You can find info by sending an email to YouthDevelopmentSoar@outlook.com or by contacting us. You can find our contact info here where you can also send us an email.
It's almost Spring!
Programming and updates
It's almost Spring!
Programming and updates
March, 2021
Make and Mend happens every Monday from 3:30PM-6PM
The Kaien show is at the end of this month!
Don't forget to submit your designs or performances (or both)
Submissions due on the 21st!!
City of Rain Readers Book Club
We are having our last discussion group for Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson and staring another one of her books, Blood Sports.
This book club is open to all. If you love reading and enjoy discussing the books you read, this is a great place for you!
Community services
Tax season is here! Our volunteer tax clinic is now available. We will help you to get your 2020 taxes done.
We also still help with that important paperwork that needs to be faxed or scanned and emailed. Need to print or photocopy some documents?
We can do that.
Looking to go back to school? Need access to computers?
We've got you covered. We have many resources in our office and we can help you get started and support you through the process.
If you're not sure if we can help you, give us a call. It can't hurt to ask. If we can't help you, we'll find someone who can.
Youth Programs
The Raven Tales Program is always looking for youth to join and gain new skills and learn about different cultures. You can find out more about this program by clicking here. You can also like our Raven Tales Facebook page here.
The Soar Program, a pilot project, is so close to launch!
Our plan is to help young adults (18-30 years) find housing in Prince Rupert. Our program coordinator has been meeting with clients letting them know what to expect and keeping them up to date.
New workshops have been developed to help young adults navigate the world of adulting, as they say.
March 20th is the International Day of Happiness and the first day of Spring! Celebrate the things that make you happy!
To find out about more awareness days that are also important visit
Charity Village - Special Awareness Days here
Housing, taxes, and more fun stuff
Programs updates and more
Housing, taxes, and more fun stuff
Programs updates and more
February, 2021
Change Makers' Education Society
Please be prepared to mask up and sanitize if you plan to come onsite.
Check out our Facebook page for updates!
Make and Mend happens every Monday from 3:30PM-6PM
Here's your chance to get ready for the Kaien Show. The Kaien show is short for Kaien Fusion of Fashion, Culture and Dance. Due to COVID-19, this event is planned to be presented online. There will be a section featuring masks this year.
We have a videographer available. If there are enough requests, we will plan a safe, physically distanced recording at a local venue where you can have your fashion designs or performance recorded.
You are welcome to submit your fashion designs by photo including your masks.
City of Rain Readers Book Club happens every other Tuesday at 6:30pm
We are reading Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson and you are welcome to join us. We have been reading many of Eden Robinson's books including Son of a Trickster and Trickster Drift. We plan to read Return of a Trickster after it's released. Those of us that are already in the book club are super excited for the final book in the Trickster series. Monkey Beach has been an interesting read too.
This book club is open to all and happens over zoom. If you love reading and enjoy discussing the books you read, this is a great place for you!
Community services
Tax season is right around the corner! Our volunteer tax clinic will be available at the end of this month. We will help you to get your 2020 taxes done. We are a literacy program so we help you learn to do your taxes. The focus for the volunteer tax program is low income people with simple tax needs.
To find out if you are eligible to do your taxes with us, check out these guidelines set out by the Community Volunteer Income Tax program. Click here and then click on Eligibility Criteria. If your income is slightly above the suggested income levels, we may still be able to help you. Give us a call or send us an email to find out.
Young Adult Programs
The Raven Tales Program is always looking for young adults to join so that they can gain a variety of new skills, and insights into different cultures. Skills include video recording and editing where they can learn how to get videos from different angles to achieve their desired outcomes. Then they can get advice on how to edit that video, adding visual and audio techniques to make their video more appealing. Storytelling skills for those who are interested in pursuing book writing or journalism.
You can find out more about this program by clicking here. You can also like our Raven Tales Facebook page here.
The Soar Program!
Our plan is to help young adults between the ages of 18-30 years find housing in Prince Rupert. We are working with a local housing management company to get rental units to start young adults out in shared living accommodations.
Our program coordinator has been meeting with clients letting them know what to expect and keeping them up to date
Not only that, workshops are being developed that focus on workplace skills, budgeting and other important topics! All young adults are welcome to join these workshops whether they are in the Soar program or not.
Call our office: 250-627-4100
Email: ChangeMakersEducation@outlook.com
Don't forget Pink Shirt Day on February 24th!
To find out about more awareness days that are also important visit
Charity Village - Special Awareness Days herefor you!
March 20th is the International Day of Happiness and the first day of Spring! Celebrate the things that make you happy!
To find out about more awareness days that are also important visit
Charity Village - Special Awareness Days here
What happened to Summer?
Programs and other stuff we do
What happened to Summer?
Programs and other stuff we do
October, 2020
Fall is officially here!
We are thinking of ways to learn while giving back to our community. This month we will be learning how to make soap using nature's bounty. We will be using the pulp from pumpkins as a botanical addition to soap. As you know, soap is very important at this time to ensure our safety. It is important to wash our hands so that we can prevent the spread of the virus and keep each other safe. Since we are spending so much time washing our hands, we figured that we may as well learn about soap, how it's made and how it works.
Our Summer programs
Our Summer programs
July, 2020
Change Makers' Education Society
We continue to help our clients by appointment only!
We're sorry for any inconvenience.
Many of our programs are on hold until further notice.
We will update our facebook page as programs become available
Click here, and like our page to get updates.
Call us at 250 627 4100 to find out if we can help you. You can also send an email to:
ChangeMakersEducation@outlook.comLots to do in August
Program Updates and more ...
Lots to do in August
Program Updates and more ...
August, 2020
Change Makers' Education Society
We continue to help our clients by appointment only!
We're sorry for any inconvenience.
Make and Mend
Make and mend is an opportunity to come together and sew, stitch and style our way to a new and improved perspective by enhancing the functionality of garments and household items. You can cut, craft, design and repair clothing and other fabric items giving fresh life and extending the life of your fabric creations.
Clothing waste is a huge polluter for our planet and the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or dumped in a landfill every second, if we change our attitude towards consumption and learn the art of repair, we can help to reduce the impact of the fashion industry.
Some of the projects we will be working on include making masks, creating costumes for Raven Tales Storytelling and working on up-cycled fashion creations to submit in Kaien Fusion of Fashion, Culture and Dance. You are welcome to use our fabric, machines, yarn and supplies to create projects with us or feel free to bring your own project to work on in the company of friends.
COVID keeping you home? If you are interested in working from a distance, you can always contact us and we can arrange to get you some supplies.
Call us at 250-627-4100 or send an email to:
ChangeMakersEducation@outlook.com
if you have any questions or if you're interested in any of our programming.
Table Time
Table Time
July, 2020
Table Time is an “Honour Your Health Challenge” program funded by Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (ISPARC).
The Honour Your Health Challenge (HYHC) is an 8-week community-based program that encourages innovation and needs-based approaches to promoting healthy, active lifestyles in First Nations, Métis Chartered Communities, and Friendship Centres throughout the province.
This program will take place at Change Makers’ Education Society (661 McKay Street) every other Tuesday and is open to all adults. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. (Sorry, childcare not provided). To join our fb event, click here.
Participants will meet every 2 weeks for 1 hour and gain knowledge on healthy eating on a budget.
You will get information on food share programs and what they have to offer. Recipes will be provided based on the foods they provide. We’ll discuss the health benefits of each recipe. We will also cover rewards programs offered by various local businesses and other budgeting ideas. Participants will be offered a journal to track their experience.
Guest speakers will be invited to share their knowledge on dietary issues.
Each day a participant attends the program, they will receive tickets to enter into our prize draws. There will also be chances to gain tickets by completing certain tasks throughout the program.
There will be small monthly prizes such as swim tickets, gift certificates, gym tickets etc. There will also be a final grand prize and a few consolation prizes at our wrap up party.
Welcome!
Collaborating and dreaming... what is the "New Normal"?
Welcome!
Collaborating and dreaming... what is the "New Normal"?
May 2020
We would like to introduce Lori Hamar, an intern with Ecotrust's North Coast Innovation Lab. Ecotrust Canada is a registered charity with mandate to: design economic solutions that benefit people in place; support economic initiatives that demonstrate triple-bottom-line outcomes; and advance policy and practice that ensure adjacent communities benefit directly from development. They bring deep experience and commitment to Prince Rupert, a local office serving the community, and experience with place-based social innovation lab processes and social enterprise development. The North Coast Innovation Lab is a place-based initiative for people who are invested in the future of Prince Rupert, allowing them to work together on tangible projects and initiatives that build a resilient economy as a tool for community well-being. In the linked text, you can watch of video of Lori and her fellow cohorts who are making a difference through Eco Trust's North Coast Innovation Lab.
Lori is a Master's student from the University of Victoria studying Child and Youth Care, in addition to being a well established contemporary dance artist and producer with a commitment to moving toward reconciliation through artistic practice and strengthening relationships and understanding.
We are delighted to welcome her to share her specialized
performing arts skills and academic learning to enhance the social and artistic capacity of the Raven Tales Storytelling Project which aims to provide a platform for young voices contribute to artistic collaborations that move our community towards Reconciliation.
During the month of May, we became virtually acquainted through zoom and through our many meetings and emails we tried to re-envision what Raven Tales could look like in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and we are looking forward to this new adventure with the youth in our program and learning how best to collaborate on line and in person through social distancing.
If you know any youth (15-30) who may be interested in joining us please refer them. New volunteers are always welcome!
Give us a call at 250-627-4100 to set up an appointment,
or by email at ChangeMakersEducation@outlook.com
Helmet Safety
Imagine that!
Helmet Safety
Imagine that!
March 2020
Northern Health has been supportive of our Easy Riders Program to make cycling mare accessible and safe in our Prince Rupert Community.
This is great news and means that we will be purchasing helmets and lights for distribution to make your riding safer. We will also be working to purchase and installing more bike racks around town so that riders can store their bikes safely. Check out our Bike to Work Week Prince Rupert facebook page for updates and to claim your helmet, lights or other reflective gear!
COVID-19!
Program Updates and more...
COVID-19!
Program Updates and more...
April 2020
Well, it's been a couple months. A very interesting couple of months at that. We've been here the whole time, helping people when we can (by appointment only).
Are you looking for help?
We look forward to continuing to help those in need. We are offering essential services include scanning documents to be emailed or printed, as well as faxing.
Our main focus of services during this time include helping with applications, for CERB, Employment Insurance reporting, tax filing.
If you need help with something that isn't listed here, call us and let us know. We may still be able to help.
CRA Income Tax Returns
We are still helping people get their taxes done. The deadline for getting taxes done was extended to June 1st this year.
You will continue to get your benefits until September but we suggest getting your taxes done sooner rather than later.
For more info on how the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program works, click here. Change Makers has volunteers who can help you with your taxes year round.
Sadly, some programs are postponed until we can figure out how to continue with COVID-19 health measures in place. The Honour Your Health Challenge is postponed until September. The Women's Writing Workshop is postponed until further notice. Make and Mend is postponed until further notice.
Please bear with us while we find ways to continue this programming.
In the meantime, take Dr. Bonnie Henry's advice stay home, wash your hands, and be kind, be calm and be safe, we're all in this together.
Tax Time!
Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinics are Here
Tax Time!
Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinics are Here
February 2020
This is the time of year that you will start receiving the information slips you need to prepare your 2019 tax returns. Through our Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, we offer free assistance to anyone with simple tax return who need help and would like to learn how to file their taxes. We are able to help you find the information on your tax slip and complete your tax returns online, then file them electronically directly to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Filing taxes is easy and we will help eliminate the stress from this filing. Give us a call to set up your appointment, if you are wondering what information you need, you can find out from the Canada Revenue Agency Website.
A Time for Giving
A Time for Giving
December 2019
Youth from our Raven Tales Project put their hands to work making cards, block prints and ornaments.
We were able to learn about Ojibway legends as the youth constructed beautiful dream catchers and explored their relationship to mathematical concepts. Maybe you were lucky enough to receive one, if not, you can see some of them on our Instagram page.
These hand crafted items were given as gifts to share in our community and also sold by youth from our Raven Tales Storytelling Revival program at various markets as a fundraiser over the Holiday season.
Financial Literacy Month
Financial Literacy Month
November, 2019
November is Financial Literacy Month. Throughout November, Canadians are encouraged to take charge of their finances by making a budget, having a savings and debt reduction plan, and understanding their financial rights and responsibilities.
There is a Financial Literacy workshop planned for November 28, 2019 at the Fisherman's Hall in conjunction with the Unemployed Action Centre & Northern Saving Credit Union.
Health Literacy Month
Health Literacy Month
October, 2019
October is Health literacy month! Health Literacy is the ability to find, understand, and use health information and services to promote and maintain good health. Health literacy can help us prevent health problems and protect our health, as well as better manage those problems and unexpected situations that happen.
It is fitting that the second annual Go By Bike Weeks happen during Health Literacy Month October 21 - Nov 3! Making exercise part of our everyday routines lifestyle decision that is one of the best ways to promote health and ensure life-long wellness. Active transportation is a great way to get our bodies moving, stay healthy and connect with our environment.
If you want to know about some of the benefits that cycling offers, you can check out this article that details 27 benefits of cycling at bikeradar.
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day
September, 2019
We are looking forward to an exciting upcoming year! The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training announced that we are the recipients of both a Community Adult Literacy Project and an Indigenous Adult Literacy Project.
MLA, Melanie Mark announced, “Our government is investing in programs that break down barriers to empower people to be more active members in their communities,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “We know that it’s critically important for people to have literacy and numeracy skills to complete simple daily tasks like cooking, attending medical appointments and applying for work. I applaud these community organizations that are the unsung heroes that open doors and create pathways for all British Columbians.”
On September 8th we also celebrated International Literacy
Day with an Open House, this year's theme was Literacy and Multilingualism. Thank you to everybody who came in to check out our programs and share the amazing food! T'oyaxsut nüün! You can read about it and watch the video from Black Press here.Awakening the Warrior Woman Within!
Awakening the Warrior Woman Within!
May, 2019
We are hosting a writing workshop Awakening the Warrior Woman Within every Wednesday afternoon from 10am-1pm at our Change Makers space at 661 McKay Street. This program is part of a Giving Voice Initiative and is designed for woman who have experienced violence. We offer a safe and supportive space for women to gather and build skills for assertive communication.
We hold Writing Out Loud Workshops where women are guided to write through a series of prompts and exercises. The exercises are positively focused and designed to increase women's confidence, trust and self-esteem; reminding us of our strength and resilience and providing reassurance that we are the heroines of our stories. Women will be creating a portfolio of work which they will be welcome to share in an upcoming publication of our zine "Within Our Grasp" which is focused on stories and experiences of social justice.
As our group develops and identifies their goals, we will invite guest speakers in to share their experiences, knowledge or resources. Join our facebook event page here.
Raven Tales Storytelling Revival
Raven Tales Storytelling Revival
August, 2019
We started August with a Cultural Awareness presentation entitled Bringing Tradition Home from Duane Jackson, Gisgaast (fireweed), of Gitanmaax. His message was inspiring and well worth listening to. Here is a short video clip of his presentation, Bringing Tradition Home.
On August 6th we had highly respected Gitxsan mentor , Marlene Clifton, from the house of Hagbegwatku of the fireweed clan, come in to talk about culture, and truth and reconciliation. She stresses the importance of cultural protocols, continuing traditions and the passing down such knowledge from generation to generation. Here is a her video.
We started our WORD OF THE DAY using the local indigenous language, Sm'algyax, the language of the Tsimshian Nation whose land we reside on. Join our group, Raven Tales Storytelling Revival, to find out more.
Our Community Literacy Outreach Worker, Alfred Harris, attended youth conference Don’t Dream it Be it, organized by Tricorp, which was a success with about 63 Indigenous youth in attendance. We attended the Friendship House’s annual block party. Also, we ended our month with a meme workshop and a photo/voice- project as mediums for storytelling. In the fall we are starting a new cohort and hope to continue developing our play, story telling, and to spread awareness of truth and reconciliation. Our cultural knowledge and stories continue to expand.
Raven Tales Storytelling Revival
Raven Tales Storytelling Revival
July, 2019
Raven Tales Storytelling Revival (RTSR) is a program for youth ages 15 to 30. We are looking for energetic youth interested in theatre, writing plays, performing and creating weekly vlogs. Skill Building goals: Effective Oral and Written Communication, Critical and Creative Thinking, Time Management, Leadership and Self-Confidence, Team work and Self-Discipline. Multimedia Training: work with video and audio equipment, record edit and post on social media, learn how to edit and enhance video quality. Click here to see our event and join or invite others to join.
This is an exciting Canada Youth Services Corps. project that Change Makers is facilitating over the next year. Through the project, youth will connect with elders, learn about traditional legends and work with mentors in theatre and film making to develop and share their own stories.
Raven Tales Storytelling Revival is a project encompassing Canada’s past, present, and future of First Nations culture and its resilience.
The end goal is for the group to produce their very own written play, and document the experience with video. The group will perform the play to the community at different planned events.
Raven Tales Storytelling Revival/ Theatre Production
Thus far, the youth of the Raven Tales Storytelling Revival program have brainstormed (Click here for video) ideas for a play, and engaged in various workshops to gain new knowledge and skills. The youth's idea for a play involves dealing with cultural issues of oppression from colonization. The youth also took part in workshops to help give them more insight about the importance of First Nation culture, theatre, video editing and creative writing so that they can utilize these skills not only for the programs production though, also for their own lives and well-being. The youth were also fortunate to be guests of a presentation on Residential School from Residential School Survivor, Arlene Roberts. Click here for residential school video.
We invite all youth ages 15 - 30 to join our program. Office hours are 10am - 4pm, Monday to Friday at 661 McKay Street.
Check out this site, our Facebook page or our office for activities and scheduling.
Monday Nights; from 6-9 during Make and Mend at Change Makers, we will be working on the costume pieces. Planning, cutting and piecing.
Saturdays; from 10am - 4pm is exclusively for RTSR activities.
Week One- Brainstorming Ideas for Play's Story line
Week Two- Created Comic Book Hero
Week Three- Monologue Writing/Presentations, Sensible Writing (writing using the senses).
Week Four- Created Poster and Logo Design
July 23- Artistic Advice From Artist John Wale.
Schedules are subject to change.
Bike to Work and School Week!
Bike to Work and School Week!
June, 2019
We are inviting you to participate in Bike to Work and School Week in Prince Rupert. The celebration of Bike to Work and School Week is scheduled to happen from May 27- June 2. We are asking for your support to participate and encourage your colleagues and students to bike to work or school. Bike to Work and School week is a province wide initiative to encourage biking and celebrate cycling. It is a free, fun, week-long celebration of biking taking place May 27 - June 2, 2019.
There are several ways in which you can get involved; you can register as a team, a school or an individual online through Bike to Work BC:
Health literacy is an important part of creating workplace culture and promoting learning. Riding to work or school builds physical activity into our daily routine, supports concentration, and provides a foundation for healthy lifestyles and a lifelong love of cycling. More people cycling reduces traffic congestion and makes our community a safer place. Plus, it's fun and helps the environment!
Every workplace, school or team can participate by having a local champion or team leader to co-ordinate efforts, encourage participation and log the team's kilometers cycled to enter them into prize draws and track how much greenhouse gas the team saves.
We wish you happy cycling and will be happy to assist you. If you would like more information or help to register online, you will find us every morning on your commute to work or school at our Bike to Work Celebration Station in the JavaDotCup’s court yard. We will have fresh fruit, snacks, water and coffee available to fuel up your riding. You can also join the fun and submit photos or stories locally on our Bike to Work facebook page.
Health Literacy!
Health Literacy!
February, 2019
We are offering a Healthy Lifestyles Workshop with facilitator Janice Muir.
Are you concerned about your health?
Want to make better choices?
Come join our group for a FREE 6 week program
Everyone welcome
Two groups, one daytime and one evening
Meet once a week to discuss lifestyle issues using SMART goals
Let’s take the next step towards a brighter future!
Initial planning meetings:
Tuesday Feb. 19th, 2019 at 7 PM
Thursday Feb. 21st, 2019 at 11 AM
Please join us for a relaxed and fun-filled time
Program period: Feb. 19th-Apr.4th 2019
Location: 661 McKay Street, Prince Rupert
Call to Register: 250 627 4100
Times: Tuesdays 7 PM-8 PM
Thursdays 11 AM - 12 PM
20 participants welcomed
Workshops at the Unemployed Action Centre!
Workshops at the Unemployed Action Centre!
April, 2019
This month we are hosting a variety of workshops at the Fishermen’s Hall located at 869 Fraser Street; all workshops are free of charge!
April 8-12 Financial Literacy Workshops Monday – Friday 9 AM – noon.
A special evening workshop with Toni from Northern Savings Credit Union on Monday April 8 at 6:30 pm
Topics covered during these Workshops include:
Monday April 8th: Financial Literacy 101
Monday April 8th evening session - Planning for Wealth with NSCU
Tuesday April 9th: Budgeting and Spending an Overview
Wednesday April 10th: Banking Basics
Thursday April 11th: Credit and Borrowing
Friday April 12th: Saving and RESPs
Participants may attend all workshops or any individual workshop. Refreshments will be provided and pre-registration is recommended and can be made by e-mail: ChangeMakersEducation@Outlook.com or phone Karen: 778-645-0262.
Saturday April 13th we are hosting Tenants Rights and Responsibilities Workshop and on April 14th a Landlords Rights and Responsibilities Workshop.
These workshops will be facilitated by Paul Lagace, the legal advocate for the Unemployment Action Centre. During these workshops, tenants and landlords will learn about their legal rights and responsibilities, changes in the residential tenancy act, the proper documents and procedures to use when entering a tenancy, to communicate during a tenancy and when ending a tenancy.
For the remainder of the month we will be offering our basic computer workshops Monday - Friday from 9-12.
Kaien Fusion of Fashion, Culture and Dance!
Kaien Fusion of Fashion, Culture and Dance!
March, 2019
Every Monday evening we are hosting a drop-in Make and Mend evening in preparation for Kaien Fusion of Fashion, Culture, and Dance. We have loads of fabric, notions and tools available to help you create a masterpiece to share in the exhibit. We always have a number of cultural pieces from our Indigenous and multicultural communities plus independent designers and contemporary artists. The Northern View did a short interview with some of our models which can be found here.
Kaien Fusion: A Community Coming Together to Celebrate Culture and Diversity Through Fashion and Dance
Kaien Fusion of Fashion, Culture, and Dance seeks to bring Prince Rupert residents together in a celebration of culture and diversity. Hosted by North Coast Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society and Change Makers Education Society, this show will highlight the different people and cultures in Prince Rupert through an exposé of fashion, dance, and art.
An art show will be set up in the front foyer displaying pieces of all mediums that highlight the themes of culture, fashion, and dance. Local and regional dance groups will perform traditional cultural dances as well as contemporary dance on the main stage. Prince Rupert residents will model local handmade fashion, wearable art, and the traditional dress of local First Nations and Immigrant groups.
Kaien Fusion will provide an evening of celebration and entertainment at the Lester Centre of the Arts in Prince Rupert on April 6, 2019. The art show opens at 6pm with the dance performances and fashion show beginning at 7pm.
Admission is by donation and benefits the community groups participating.
This is the fourth annual Kaien Fusion show. We hope to build on our previous success by opening up participation to the northern region allowing an even wider range of cultures and artists to be represented.
Last year, the show featured First Nations dance groups including the Nisga’a dance group and a multi-nation dance group. The Punjabi community presented a Bollywood fashion show and Gidha and Bhangra dances. The Friendship House submitted a group collection celebrating First Nation Designs and the fashion of contemporary designers Cecilia Grayson from Tribes and Laurie Gray of No Roads Studio, and Alexa Gamble of Mist. Karen Buchanan of Brilliant Experience displayed fashion made from recycled plastics and a contemporary dance piece exploring environmental pollution and water.
New Programming Space!
New Programming Space!
December, 2019
We are so excited to share with you that we will be opening a new programming space! With the support of M'akola Housing Society, we have a townhouse at 661 McKay Street! We invite you to join us at our open house during the solstice, December 21.
We are one of several community organizations in BC who will be providing literacy support with the support of Coast Mountain College and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. We will be delivering both a Community Adult Literacy Program and an Indigenous Community Adult Literacy Program providing Cultural Learning Connections from our new programming space and at various locations in the community including the Work BC Centre at Hecate Strait Employment Development Society and the Unemployed Action Centre at the Fishermen's Hall.
Home Our Way
Home Our Way
October, 2018
On October 13th, Olivia Davis is travelling to the Lester Centre to share her performance of “Crow’s Nest and Other Places She’s Gone” This performance offers an intimate portrayal of women’s experiences of transition from life to death, togetherness to solitude, and form to spirit. Witness a journey of transition from this side to the other as told through women’s friendship. This is the story of two friends from the street who have navigated their way through life at the edge of society. Contemporary choreography and storytelling are woven together through an Indigenous lens. The work draws inspiration from woman’s stories taking place presently and those stories of women past that take up space in our hearts and in our legends.
Prior to her performance in our community, she will be offering community based residencies on the afternoons of October 9, 10, 11 from 1-4 at the Lester Center. The community engagement project, “Home: Our Way” is a creative movement workshop. The residency is free and is designed for mature women and two-spirited persons, especially those who are navigating or have experience navigating transitions. A shorter community residency will also be available October 13 from noon-1:30, open to members of our community at the Lester Centre.
Summer Student Post!
Summer Student Post!
July, 2018
Hi everyone! My name is Shveta and I am the summer student for Change Makers' Education Society. I was born and raised in Prince Rupert and left after high school as I was to go to college in Vancouver to pursue a career in the medical field. I have many hobbies including cooking, baking, dancing, volunteering etc. I will be teaching Bhangra dancing starting on all Wednesdays from July 18 to August 8 from 3:00-4:00pm for girls of all ages. I am helping with the juggling workshop and will also be helping with storytelling starting in August.
Bike to School and Work Week was a Success!
Bike to School and Work Week was a Success!
June 15, 2018
Bike to school and work week 2018 was a success, the winning bike to work team this year was The City of Prince Rupert while Roosevelt Elementary School remained the leader of the pack for the school teams! A total of 3398km was biked throughout Prince Rupert - well done everyone. See you next year!
The Third Kaien Fusion of Fashion, Culture and Dance!
The Third Kaien Fusion of Fashion, Culture and Dance!
May 15, 2018
This years Kaien Fusion of Fashion, Culture and Dance was a great success. There were beautiful designs by local designers and an impressive selection of multicultural dances.
Change Makers and Brilliant Experience teamed up to present an experimental showcase which explored the power of imagination to overcome environmental pollution, in their collection, there were several outfits made from recycled plastic bags meant to draw attention to the pollution of our oceans and the importance of water for the health and preservation of life!
Mine Collective came to Town
Mine Collective came to Town
April 15, 2018
Artists from mine, an inter-disciplinary project that explores consumption, identity, fast fashion, history and memory, using clothing as the common thread between us came to Prince Rupert to offer a residency at Charles Hays Secondary School. You can read more about the artists and project in Kelly McInnes' interview with Dance Current Magazine.
It's tax time...
It's tax time...
March 15, 2018
With the assistance of the Canada Revenue Agency Community Volunteer Tax Clinic program and the Unemployment Action Center we were able to assist learners to submit their taxes. Throughout the month we also offered computer literacy tutoring and tenant rights and responsibilities workshops in partnership with the Prince Rupert's Unemployed Action Centre at the Fishermen's Hall.
What's Love? Juggle Club?
What's Love? Juggle Club?
February 14, 2018
Okay, many of you may know that we have received an Imagine Grant from Northern Health; with this grant we have started a weekly juggling club happy hour on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5-6 at the Brilliant Experience Studio in the museum building downtown. In addition to these free weekly juggling sessions, we have ordered 2000 juggling balls so that we can offer juggling workshops and outreach at various schools and locations around town. If you are interested in having a workshop please be in touch, Karen loves juggling and she would love to share that joy with you. .
AGM - Has It Been a Year Already?
January 15, 2018
Our AGM is being held at the Library. Come and join our community Change Makers to discover what we have been up to over this past year, we will share with you some of our plans and goals for the year ahead and invite you to help us envision the future. Since June, we have been in partnership with Hecate Strait Employment Development Society offering literacy services to Work BC clients, we offer weekly computer classes where learners can discover the basics about computers and receive assistance to create emails, develop cover letters and resumes or conduct job searches. We have been offering bi-monthly workshops with a focus on community connections, resources and services. You can find our head office on the ground floor at Hecate Strait Employment Development Society.