Micheal Langan, an artist from Cote First Nation, has received a Saskatchewan Global Citizen Award from the Saskatchewan Council for International Co-operation (SCIC).
Langan received the award for his innovative work with Colonialism Skateboards and is inspiring youth to learn about the legacy of colonialization, said information from the SCIC.
“One of the main challenges is the lack of understanding between one another, as well as the lack of respecting diversities and traditions,” said Langan. “Colonialism has eroded and suppressed a number of groups and cultures globally.
“We have to work together on these issues – we have to understand the issues we face to help our future generations grow and learn together.”
“By combining skateboard art with a history lesson on Indigenous culture and colonialism in Canada, Langan’s work demonstrates how education and mutual understanding is at the heart of improving our world, and how youth can find ways to address these ongoing challenges locally and globally,” the release said.
“We are all related, and as brothers and sisters we share this same planet together,” said Langan. “We must understand one another; we all have different traditions, cultures and customs which we should all accept and respect. This is what global citizenship means to me.”
This is the 27th Annual Global Citizen Awards celebration, which was held in Regina on February 8.
“This year, the Global Citizen Award is highlighting the theme of “Youth and Innovation,” said Robbi Humble, communications officer with SCIC. “We want to recognize inspiring young people and youth-based initiatives that demonstrate how youth are working towards global citizenship, global cooperation, justice and peace.”
The awards also honoured the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), and Jack Boan received a Lifelong Global Citizen Award.
