The First Mile

Supported by the SSHRC-funded First Nations Innovation Project

The Red Road Project Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey - Nova Scotia

The Red Road Project is an initiative launched by the Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey community in early 2012. The goal of the project is to educate First Nations youth on the dangers of substance abuse, and lead them away from the influence of peer pressure.

The “Red Road” is drawn from the Native American concept of being on the right path in life and in harmony with the creator. This idea reflects the intent of the project. The Red Road Project's ultimate goal is to keep young people on the right path in life.

The Red Road Project invited First Nations youth to use digital media to start a conversation about the dangers of substance abuse. Multimedia projects included designing a project logo, writing songs, and creating public service announcement videos. These digital media are shared online, and youth are invited to discuss their ideas through videoconferencing.

The Red Road project is unique because its content and direction are both driven by youth. This makes it the first project of its kind in Canada.

The website contains youth projects like the Red Road song, and features winners from the public service announcement video contest.

Watch the winning video:

To read more about the Red Road Project, and to see more of the youth projects, visit the Red Road Project website!

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