Chiloe Island is part of a large archipelago off the southern Chile coast. Many of their native youth migrated to urban areas in recent decades, seeking work in industrial aquaculture.
Now they are returning home, after the collapse of the industrial aquaculture industry in which they were employed. However, these young men and women return without knowing the traditional ways of their native Williche community and without the skills necessary to make a living in the traditional livelihoods of farming and fishing.
The bridge between elders and youth has been lost.
In recent years, interns from the Institute of Island Studies have been helping document cultural practices on Chiloe. This is to help the Williche Council of Chiefs develop programs to reintroduce Williche youth to their traditional knowledge. Modern scientific knowledge will also be integrated with tradition to develop livelihood options.
Lewis serves on the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet Atlantic Youth Council as the P.E.I. youth representative. She is also involved with the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council as the female representative for P.E.I./N.B., and just recently was elected as the youth member of the Aboriginal Women’s Association of P.E.I.
The Lennox Island native is a cultural promoter and performer through singing, dancing and cultural storytelling. She has been dancing women’s fancy shawl for nine years, and has developed a new love of hoop dancing and jingle dress dancing.
“I have been involved in advocating for youth and I am passionate in preserving our Mi’kmaq culture,” she said. “I am proud to represent the Mi’kmaq people and I look forward to learning and working with the Williche natives of Chile.”
Levi is a member of the Metepenagiag First Nation in Miramichi. She has been studying political science and business, and is active in her community.
Levi said, “I view Chiloe as an opportunity to see what difference I can make there, what I can share, and what I can learn.”
The two women will depart for Chile on Feb. 5 and will live and work with the Williche natives for the next four months.
“Olivia and Samantha have been busy preparing for their work in Chiloe, and we look forward to the contributions they will make there, and also to what they will bring back to share,” said Dr. Irene Novaczek, director of the Institute of Island Studies.
Funding for the Island Studies project comes from the Canadian International Development Agency’s Aboriginal Youth Internship program.
