At the core of the DAREarts philosophy is the desire to empower students, to build their self-esteem and leadership potential, and to encourage students to become agents of change in their own lives and communities.

With its arts-based, community and holistic approach to education, its no surprise that the DAREarts program has been attractive to many First Nations (mainly in Ontario where the foundation originates) that have struggled with a steady decline in high school completion for decades. This has and continues to lead to issues such as unemployment, poverty and suicide in First Nations communities where a lack of education has resulted in a lack of opportunities for young people especially.

What leaders in communities such as Webequie FN have observed, however, is that the DAREarts program has infused the youth in their communities with a sense of purpose and belonging that the regular curriculum and school system has failed to do. Chief Cornelius Wabasse of the Webequie FN cites the fact that since the curriculum is arts-based, there is greater room for adaptability and a general feeling of accomplishment. I’d go a bit further by placing a value on indigenous knowledge, skills and culture, in addition to the holistic philosophy of the program, provides students with a greater sense of emotional fulfillment that translates into greater confidence.

Click here to read more about the impact of the DAREarts program on First Nations communities in Ontario and Nova Scotia.