A Wellness Journey Black and Indigenous Healing Space Art Zine

A Wellness Journey:

Black and Indigenous Healing
Space Art Zine

LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LGBT Youthline is based out of
Tkaronto; however, PYAP is provincial
in scope. As such, there is no one land
to acknowledge as we span several
across what is colonially known as
"Ontario".​

In "Ontario", there are 133 First
Nations. Each nation has its own claim
to the land, and they have been serving
as stewards of the land, water and life
since time immemorial.​

We recognize that these lands are
subject to varying treaty agreements
that do not represent or engage many
Indigenous communities
consensually. YouthLine works in
these communities, in this context, on
these territories.

DEDICATION

This zine was borne out of the need to
prioritize 2SLGBTQ+ Black and Indigenous
youth who've faced increased isolation due to
the pandemic. Through these Healing Spaces,
we've helped reconnect participants to their
culture and heritage while decolonizing gender
and sexuality.

Each of the workshops hosted in these Spaces
addressed these unique intersections, as we
understand that there is an overwhelming lack
of resources dedicated to Black and
Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

The pieces created for this zine are reflective
of their healing journeys, dreams and hopes
for a decolonized future.

WHO ARE WE?

LGBT YouthLine is a Queer, Trans, Two- The Provincial Youth Ambassador
Spirit* youth-led organization that Program (PYAP) is a LGBT YouthLine
affirms and supports the experiences of program that brings together 2SLGBTQ+
youth (29 and under) across Ontario. We youth from across the province to
do this by: increase 2SLGBTQ+ programming and
supports in their local regions,
(1) Providing anonymous peer support strengthen leadership skills, and build
and referrals networks amongst 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
(2) Training youth to provide support to PYAP is by 2SLGBTQ+ youth, for
other youth 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
(3) Providing resources so youth can
make informed decisions Funding for this project made possible by the
Government of Canada under the Canada
Service Corps program.

PEER SUPPORT HELPLINE

LGBT YouthLine offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support
through our telephone, text, and chat services. Get in touch with a peer

support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM EST
Call: 1.800.268.9688
Text: 647.694.4275
Chat: youthline.ca



LEILAH DHORE • SHE/THEY

LEILAH DHORE • SHE/THEY

VALERIE OOSHAG • SHE/HER

“This piece represents how I am reclaiming my identity.
An elder during the Healing Spaces told our group that
Two-Spirit is an umbrella term for anyone that
identifies as LGBTQ+.

The colonization of Indigenous people brought gender
roles and it made me feel like I had to be more
masculine to identify as 2S. I am an Anishinaabekwe
who has reclaimed her identity and embraced being
Two-Spirit."

MIO MUYOBOKE • THEY/THEM • @PERSISTENTPLUMS

Hi, my name is Mio Muyoboke, pronouns are they/them
and my piece for the Healing Spaces zine is about
healing self with others.

My piece is centered around the heart tree, which
represents my new heart and self that is assisted by
others. The hands help the tree grow with supporting it
on the ground and suppling water on the top. I wanted
to show how the Healing Spaces has helped me feel
connected into my new goal of self and who I want to
be, from conversations of being black and queer to
conversations of healing within the group it really made
me feel more like myself.

The person at the top glowing in a yellowish orange is
the idea of what is to come, while I feel more like
myself I still don’t know what the future holds or who I
will look like, it's the unknown mixed with the known.
The figure has a hole in their chest, where the heart
used to be the connection to where I used to be to now
still being present.

Most of my art focuses on myself in a surreal way; it's
my favourite type of art to make. If you like this or want
to see more head to @persistentplums on Instagram.
Thank you for your time!

ROBYN KAKEGAMIC • THEY/THEM

Remembering our ancestors' teachings and stories and
growing from them. Overcoming the trauma and
blossoming at every sunrise.

ENEZ PIENKOWSKA • THEY/THEM • @EN.PIE

This piece represents the healing that's come from
being in therapy and throughout the time shared in the
PYAP Healing Space. Showcasing that I am enough to
show up and exist in the world exactly as I am, at any
given moment.

Throughout the process of creating this piece, I really
wanted to allow myself to access my inner child to put
myself in the mindset of children when they do crafts -
implementing play, imperfection and unapologetic
creativity.

Instagram: @en.pie

EZRA • THEY/THEM • @TACTLESS.ART

I made this as an affirmation and reminder to myself
that gender is a performance, and that I am free to
perform it however I like regardless of my body parts or
facial hair! At the end of the day as long as I am having
fun with the process that is all that matters. Thank you
for the Healing Spaces.

My art page is @tactless.art

HOPE ADINA • THEY/THEM

GRACE GUILLAME • THEY/THEM • @IIGRACEEYII