Three powerful truths about grief from BIPOC youth.

Dear $[UD:FIRST_NAME||]$,

In Victoria, B.C., BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) youth came together to share their experiences with race-based violence. And you might not expect just how much dance, laughter, and LEGO was involved along the way. (Yes, we said LEGO. Trust us.)

The magic of this event started with two BIPOC youth volunteers: Solange, an activist/ filmmaker, and Talia, a leader in the Students of Colour Association (SOCA). For both of them, this work is lived.

“I wish people understood the mental strain that facing racism has on a child. This creates grief and loss... It is a weight that must be carried every single day and takes a massive toll on a youth's mental health.” - Solange

That grief needs space. And at this gathering, it found one shaped by three powerful truths:

1. Grief healing can happen in many ways.

Solange led the group in creating a dance together, inviting everyone to connect with themselves and each other through movement. "I learned that there are so many healthy ways to deal with what’s on our hearts", one participant reflected.

2. Safe spaces are built, not assumed.

The group used LEGOs to build what a safe space looks like for each of them. This event was caringly designed and facilitated by Nichola Watson, with support from Ryan Willoughby. “I know from working with BIPOC youth, the importance of having safe spaces to commune and freely speak about specific issues.” Nichola shared.

3. There is power in naming what is lost.

When Talia led the group through honest conversations about racism, the ideas kept flowing after the event ended. Grief, in this space, became a way to name the weight youth carry and imagine what healing and change could look like.

"Being a visible minority is something I’m constantly aware of," Talia shared. "It’s also about coming to terms with the reality of the world we live in, and then realizing that we have the power to create gradual change instead of holding back.”

Here's to what's possible when youth lead the way.

Young people are showing up. Let’s show up for them.

We just booked an entire year’s worth of workshops in one week.

That's 40 Good Grief workshops requested in one week, with 50 and counting planned already for next school year. That's already more workshops than those booked over the entirety of last year.

We can't meet the demand without your help.

If you believe in creating safe spaces for youth grief, help us say yes to the growing need across B.C.

Make Youth Grief Support Accessible

"I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept."

— Angela Davis

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