Local children created art pieces reflecting their views on community identity which were included in the Who Are The Children in Our Community? book (photo courtesy of the Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society)

By Liam Verster

Community project

Book looks at community identity through artwork of kids

Jan 13, 2023 | 1:00 PM

Local children were able to contribute to a book of art reflecting community identity that is set to launch later this month.

The Vernon and District Immigrant Community Services Society (VDICSS) partnered with the Literacy Society of the North Okanagan to create the book Who are the Children in Our Community?

Through the partnership, local children aged four to 12 were asked two questions “who are you in your community?” and “who are the children in your community?”

The kids were then able to answer the questions through artwork, including drawings, paintings, mixed media and sculpture.

The artwork has been compiled into the book, which is an explorative look at representation in the community through the lens of young children’s perspectives.

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The children who contributed to the book come from families with a range of backgrounds and cultures, including some newcomers to Canada, some who have just moved to the region, and others who are multi-generational North Okanagan residents.

A book launch party, corresponding with the end of Literacy Week, will be held at the Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library Saturday, Jan. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Copies of the book will then become available at the library, at the Literacy Society of the North Okanagan and at the VDICSS daycare centre.

The families who contributed to the book will also receive a copy.

VDICSS received financial support the the Canada Race Relations Foundation’s National Anti-Racism Fund to make this project possible.