Roots and Wings is an eight-session youth program for Regina youth ages 13 to 18. Beginning Saturday, September 26, 2026, the program helps participants explore culture and identity, build leadership skills, strengthen wellbeing, and learn practical ways to respond to racism, discrimination, and online harm. It is hosted by the Daughters of Africa Resources Centre (DoARC) at 438 Victoria Avenue East, Regina, Saskatchewan.
Program at a glance
| Program | Roots and Wings: Youth Cultural Heritage, Identity and Leadership Program |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Daughters of Africa Resources Centre (DoARC) |
| Who it is for | Youth ages 13–18 in Regina |
| Focus | African-descent, Black, racialized, immigrant, and newcomer youth; other youth interested in learning and supporting others are also welcome |
| Start date | |
| Location | 438 Victoria Avenue East, Regina, Saskatchewan |
| Sessions | Eight in-person Saturday sessions |
| Final event | Youth-led community showcase and celebration |
| Registration | Register through the official Eventbrite page |
| Sponsors/ partners | Community Initiatives Fund and UCAS-ADPA |
Roots and Wings was created in response to feedback from youth and families in Regina. DoARC’s community engagement found a need for safe, culturally responsive spaces where young people can connect with others, explore their heritage, build confidence, and develop tools for navigating discrimination, bullying, social pressure, and online safety concerns.
What participants will do
Each session combines guided conversation, hands-on activities, mentorship, and creative expression. Youth will be supported by trained facilitators using culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches.
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Explore cultural identity, family history, heritage, and belonging.
- Build confidence in speaking up, working with others, and taking on leadership roles.
- Learn about human rights, anti-racism, and ways to recognize and respond to discrimination.
- Develop practical wellbeing tools, including grounding, self-regulation, and help-seeking strategies.
- Learn about digital citizenship, online safety, cyberbullying, online hate, and reporting tools.
- Use art, storytelling, spoken word, and theatre to express ideas and prepare for the final showcase.
- Receive a certificate of completion and a program summary that may be useful for a résumé, school portfolio, or volunteer record.
Planned session themes
The exact activity schedule may change as the program is finalized, but Roots and Wings is designed around these learning areas:
| Session theme | What youth can expect |
|---|---|
| Roots and identity | Activities that explore culture, heritage, migration stories, and identity |
| Cultural pride | Conversations and creative work that celebrate cultural knowledge and lived experience |
| Leadership foundations | Reflection on leadership styles, role models, teamwork, and personal strengths |
| Speaking up | Communication and public-speaking practice, including spoken word and youth voice |
| Mental wellness | Practical tools for handling stress, recognizing peer pressure, and supporting wellbeing |
| Community action | Youth-led planning for showcase activities and shared community goals |
| Rehearsal and reflection | Creative practice, peer feedback, collaboration, and problem-solving |
| Youth showcase | A celebration of learning, creativity, leadership, and connection with families and community |
Family and community connection
Parents and caregivers are an important part of Roots and Wings. DoARC plans to offer family engagement sessions during the program to share key themes, discuss ways to support youth at home, and provide information about wellbeing and online safety.
The program will end with a youth-led community showcase, where participants can share creative work such as theatre, spoken word, visual art, cultural presentations, and leadership commitments. Families and invited community members will be welcome to celebrate the participants’ learning and accomplishments.
Support for participants
DoARC is planning the program to reduce common barriers to participation. Sessions will include culturally appropriate snacks, access to a prayer space, transportation support for youth who need it, and trained staff who help create a respectful and inclusive environment.
About DoARC
The Daughters of Africa Resources Centre (DoARC) is a Saskatchewan-based non-profit organization that supports African-descent women, their families, and other racialized individuals. Its programs promote inclusion, wellbeing, cultural connection, and community participation.
Roots and Wings is being developed with support from community partners, including the University of Regina’s Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre (C-SET) for arts and theatre activities, as well as UCAS and African Descent Professional Associates for human-rights and anti-racism learning.
Register for Roots and Wings
Space is intended for a small group of approximately 30 youth so participants can take part fully in discussions, creative activities, and group projects. Register through the official Eventbrite event page, and contact DoARC directly with questions about registration, transportation support, accessibility, or parent/caregiver participation.
