Closing the Age Gap Creatively
Youth and seniors in Kimberley are building connections through stories, art and curiosity.
Seniors like Alan Ansell have words of wisdom, fascinating life histories and first-hand accounts of how communities and landscapes have changed over time. And youth are eager to listen.
That was certainly the case in Kimberley, where members of the Kimberley Youth Action Network conceived and carried out Voices of the Land, an intergenerational storytelling project. The network is one of 27 youth networks supported by Columbia Basin Trust and is designed by youth, for youth.
Youth interviewed 14 seniors, asking questions like, “What has your relationship with the land been over your lifetime here in Kimberley?” They then transformed the conversations into written stories, portraits and artwork. The exhibit, which included watercolours displayed in frames made from repurposed books, was shared with the public at Centre 64.
The seniors’ stories reflect lives shaped by careers in mining, logging, teaching and farming. They describe what it was like growing up in the area and recount memories of climbing mountains in St. Mary’s Valley and playing hockey at Wasa Lake.
Beyond preserving local stories, the project created meaningful connections across generations.
“Older generations have valuable experiences, knowledge and stories to share, while younger people bring new perspectives and curiosity,” says Imogen Cvetko-Lueger, who interviewed Ansell. “If we want to build a greater future for all, I believe we need to understand the past and learn from those who came before us.”
