Hope Vale showcase builds pride and confidence

Stylin’ UP Regional is a vibrant community and cultural development program that engages and is driven by Indigenous young people, Elders and community members.

Linked into the Stylin’ UP Festival, an annual event coordinated by the Inala Elders and Brisbane City Council, the program is guided by the message of “pride in self, pride in community, pride in culture”. Stylin’ UP Regional provides a forum for young people to tell stories, share yarns with elders, celebrate indigenous identity and plays a role in building strong communities.

Program facilitator, Human Ventures (Human), has been working with young people in Hope Vale to create locally devised and produced dance pieces and songs.

In May this year 16 young people and carers from Hope Vale and Cooktown came down to Brisbane for 4 days of workshops and activities and performed to more than 5,000 people at this years Stylin’ UP Festival in Inala.

A team of Hope Vale’s own young artists showcased their creative talent in MCing, dance, song, and visual art on Thursday 26th November 2009.

Tisha Gordon from Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council said “The Hope Vale young people were very excited to perform and the community couldn’t wait to see the performance”.

“This program has had a significant and positive impact on young people’s confidence through learning new skills and getting up in front of their friends and family and simply having a go,” continued the Stylin’ UP Regional Program Manager Karrina Nolan

One of the songs to performed on the 26th November was about having no shame and being proud. Some the lyrics include:

You need self esteem,
You need to have pride,
Live your dream,
Represent your tribe.

No Shame – We gonna stand up proud,
No Shame – we gonna sing it out loud

Human Ventures would like to thank the Hope Vale community crew, Hope Vale PCYC, Hope Vale Aboriginal Council, Hope Vale State school, Cooktown High School and all the young people for all their enthusiasm and contributions.

The Stylin’ UP Regional program is coordinated by Human Ventures, and Stylin’ UP Regional Hope Vale is funded by Arts Queensland.